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:
March 1, 1923 - reprinted April 13, 1994While returning home from Leigh with his family last Sunday afternoon, Jos. J. Kalisek of near Howells, who formerly lived north of Clarkson, and Dr. E.H. Brown of Fullerton, pariticpated in an automobile accident near the railroad crossing two miles west of Clarkson.
According to the facts given us neither one of the drivers are to be held responsible for the mishap as it was pure accidental.
In passing the crossing Mr. Kalisek broke the front spring on his car which caused the vehicle to be swung lengthwise across the road where the car was run into by Dr. Brown who happened to be coming from the crossing and could not stop his car in time to avert the crash.
Both drivers are said to have been driving along at a moderate rate of speed. Mr. Kalisek road in a Dort touring car and Mr. Brown who was accompanied by his wife and little son drove an almost new Ford Coupe.
Both cars were badly damaged, however, the occupants with the exception of Mrs. Brown were fortunate to escape without injury.
Mrs. Brown received a bad contusion on her forehead which was later dressed in the office rooms of Dr. Kavan.
The wrecked cars were then brought to town and left at the Prazak Motor Co's garage for repair, the Brown family remaining here until the next day when they left for their home.Mrs. Mary Kudera, wife of Frank Kudera, one of the very [sic] settlers of Wilson precinct, suffered a stroke of apoplexy shortly before the noon hour Tuesday.
Mrs. Kudera got up in the morning and as usual went about her errands. She did not complain and seemed to be in good spirits.
She walked about the house for a while when she told the members of her household down on the bed where she fell into the slumbers that know of no awakening.
Her death came without warning and she was found in this position by her loved ones. The end came at the home of Mrs. Kudera's son, Julius, with whom she and her husband have been living.
She was born in the old country and was in her eightieth year.
The family located in Wilson precinct many years ago and passed all the privations and hardships of pioneer life.
Besides the husband Mrs. Kudera leaves one daughter, Mrs. Chas. Houfek of near Clarkson and two sons, Louis of the Leigh community and Julius, progressive young farmer of Wilson precinct.
Burial was made this forenoon in the Mrazek cemetery.Federal authorities arrested Magnus Peterson at Stanton Tuesday of this week on a charge of using the mails to defraud. Peterson, it is claimed, ordered merchandise from mail order houses and gave worthless checks in payment for the goods under the name of Earl Potter.
Very little is known about Peterson at Stanton. He had been staying with a relative, Dan Jorgensen, who lives about seven miles north of Stanton for some time. He is 28 years old.
It is charged that Peterson operated the same scheme at several places and that Winside was among the towns where he had formerly operated. The federal authorities, it was stated, have been looking for him for some time.
When Peterson ordered merchandise from a Chicago wholesale house and sent a check in payment under the name of Potter, federal authorities were immediately put on the trail and were sent to Stanton ahead of the goods. When Peterson called at the postoffice for Earl Potter's mail, he was placed under arrest.
At first he denied that he was the man wanted and stated that he was only getting Potter's mail for him. However, officers say that he later confessed in the county jail here that he was the man wanted and that he had used the name of Earl Potter in operating his scheme.Stanton was threatened with destruction Thursday night by a fire that destroyed the Methodist church with a loss estimated at $12,000 which is partly covered by insurance.
Fighting the flames in temperature near zero and with a northeast wind blowing, the firemen only by strenuous work prevented the blaze from spreading to other parts of the town. When it seemed apparent that it would be imposisible [sic] to keep the blaze under control a rush call was sent for the Norfolk fire fighters, who arrived in Stanton in record time and assisted materially in preventing further loss in the city.
At one time five houses were on fire, the parsonage, which was only thirty feet from the church, was ablaze numerous times and the dwelling house of Dr. O.C. Hopper, on the other side of the church was also on fire several times. It was with great difficulty that these two buildings were saved.
The roof on the parsonage was badly burned and the building badly scorched on one side, necessitating expensive repairs.
The origin of the fire is undetermined, but is is believed that it started from the furnace. There had been choir practice held in the church in the evening, for which a fire had been built in the furnace.
The flames were discovered about 10:45 by William Page, who was on his way home from a motion picture show. He immediately turned in an alarm, but the fire by that time had gained such headway that it was found useless to try to save the burning building. All efforts were then directed towards saving adjoining property.
The church a frame building, about twenty-five years old, was extremely dry and burned almost like cotton, sparks and burning embers flying all over the city.
Only the brick chimney, about thirty feet high, was left standing, and, as this was considered very dangerous, it was immediately wrecked by dynamiting.
Cold and numb and with their clothes frozen to them, the weary fire fighters were able to return to their homes late in the morning.Julius Wacha, manager of the local Standard Oil station, experienced a rather dangerous adventure on Wednesday of last week when his truck left the road near the Emil E. Hledik farm, southwest of Clarkson, and slid down a small embankment where it landed in a stream upside down.
Luckily the truck was only lightly damaged and it is a miracle how Mr. Wacha could get out of the escapade without a scratch so to speak. At the time of the accident there were about three hundred gallons of gasoline and oils in the tank which leaked out before the truck could be righted.
March 1, 1923 - reprinted April 20, 1994Anna Svoboda, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vaclav Svoboda, living in the west part of Schuyler was severely bruised on Tuesday of last week by a crazed cow.
Mrs. Svoboda had gone to Richland early in the morning, leaving the cow in the pen by the barn as usual. A week old calf was with bossie and the little wobby-legged brute in his girations, slipped through the fence and started off on his own hook.
Bossie, a splendid milker, though rather wild and unmannerly, vaulted over the fence an [sic] took after her vagrant offspring.
Mrs. Svoboda saw the cow and calf when they were some distance from the house and she immediately became anxious to bring them back so they would not trespasss on some of the neighbors' property and make a nuisance of themselves, or perhaps take to the railroad track and be hit by a passing train.
Taking a rope and an ear of corn, Mrs. Svoboda soon overtook the cow and tried to lead her home, but the cow would not budge without her calf. When the lady turned to force the animal to be led away, the enraged cow turned upon her angrily and knocked her down.
Anna saw the trouble her mother had with the cow and calf, she ran to help get them home. When her mother was knocked down she tried to beat the cow away, but the maddened brute was now crazy in her efforts to save the calf from her enemies.
She immediately turned upon Miss Svoboda, knocked her down and mauled over with her hornless head and for several minutes had the girl under her feet but luckily her sharp hoofs did not injure the girl further than some scratches on her limbs.
Everytime the girl made an effort to get up, the cow would again knock her down. When finally the animal did trot off after the calf, Anna was left helpless on the ground.
Mrs. Svoboda who was not so seriously hurt, and several kind neighbors, were shortly on the scene and carried the suffering girl to the home of Mrs. Antonia Kubik, calling a physician immediately. While no internal injuries were discovered nor bones broken, the girl was badly bruised about he ribs and backbone causing her intense pain.
She also shows some scratches about her neck and face, a large and ugly abrasion just above the left eye. Her left arm is almost helpless with severe pain in the muscles of the forearm.
Miss Svoboda was cared for at the Kubik home for the rest of the day and brought home in the evening on a stretcher. Every touch and movement causes her intense suffering and the doctor predicts that she will be confined to her bed for several weeks, but says the hardest trial will last only through the first three or four days.Cyril Schmid, after a lingering illness, passed away at his home in Schuyler early Friday evening, February 16, and the remains were laid to rest in the Schuyler cemetery on Saturday afternoon.
Mr. Schmid was for many years counted among the best and most respected citizens of Schuyler.
His activities in that community cover a period of over forty years during which time he was actively associated with the history of Schuyler. In public service he in the earlier history of that city served on the village board.
He also served as member of the board of education and often took active committee work at various public moves. He also was prominent in lodge work being member of the Tel. Jed. Sokol Schuyler, charter member of the C.S.P.S. and Z.C.B.J. lodges.
In all these activities he was ever a faithful on scientious [sic] worker, yet ever modest, dependable and most broadminded and liberal in every way.
Cyril Schmid was born in Banditz, Moravia, now a part of Czechoslovakia, February 14, 1858. He came to America with his parents in 1872, settleing [sic] on a farm near David City.
Cyril Schmid was married to Miss Antonia Vavrina in 1883. There were eight children born to this union, five sons and three daughters, as follows:
Julia, now Mrs. George Howe, Joseph, Gerald, Edward, twins, Anna and Rose, now Mrs. Ed Wanek of Neligh and Mrs. George J. Novotny of this place, Emil and Stanley. The last is still single.
There are also 16 grandchildren. Besides his bereaved widow, he is survived by a younger brother, Clement, of near David City, and two sisters, Mrs. Agnes Wittera of near Bruno and Mrs. Kate Pekarek of Bendon, Michigan.Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Svoboda of Abie came to Howells last Friday in response to a message that their daughter, Miss Bessie, who is staying at the home of her aunt, Mrs. John Stracek, was sick.
They found the young lady much improved when they arrived and at this writing is well on her way to recovery. They remained until Monday to attend the funeral of Mrs. Svoboda's sister, Mrs. Anton Svitak.The mortal remains of Anton Hartl, Sr., who passed away in death early Sunday morning at the home of his son, Joseph, residing eleven miles northwest of Clarkson, were interned [sic] yesterday forenoon in the Clarkson cemetery.
Mr. Hartl was one of the pioneer residents of Stanton county and was identified with the progress of the county for over three scores of years. He suffered a light stroke of apoplexy lsat [sic] Thursday and surrendered to the enemy on Sunday morning after a strenuous struggle for life.
The deceased was born in Bohemia on the 17th day of July, 1838, being alloted a pilgrimage of eighty-five years.
He came to America with his family on July 4, 1884, and located on a farm near North Bend. After a residence of several years in that community the famiy moved to Stanton County where they settled permanently.
Mr. Hartl leaves to mourn his aged wife, one daughter, Mrs. Anton Vlasak of near Dodge, and two sons, Anton and Joseph.Frank Houfek, living east of town, came near losing his Oakland touring car one day last week.
Leaky piping leading from the supply tank to the carburetor caused quantity of gasoline to escape which ignited from the exhaust and for a while threatened to destroy the car.
Mr. Houfek lost no time in fighting the flames which he succeeded in subduing before much damage was done.
March 1, 1923 - reprinted September 14, 1994The forepart of the week Miss Inez Young, eighth grade teacher in the Clarkson public school, handed in her resignation to the school board to take effect at once.
The cause of resignation is the voluntary act on Miss Young's part for the very reason that her certificate was not recognized by the state school officials as is required for school of our class.
Miss Young holds a certificate from the state of Iowa which was not admitted by the Nebraska school law for work in the eighth grade.
Miss Young being aware of the predicament she would place the local school if she continued teaching, and therefore presented her resignation to the board.
Had she continued teaching, the school would have lost the state apportionment and the normal trainers would have been minus their credits to which they are entitled.
Following Miss Young'resignation, the board entered into contract with Miss Martha Bukacek to complete the present school year.
March 1, 1923 - reprinted January 11, 1995Just as we go to press, Prof. Hohn was notified from Howells that their team cannot come for tomorrow's game on account of illness among the players. The game will be played later.
Anna Svoboda, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vaclav Svoboda, living in the west part of Schuyler was severely bruised on Tuesday of last week by a crazed cow.
Mrs. Svoboda had gone to Richland early in the morning, leaving the cow in the pen by the barn as usual. A week old calf was with bossie and the little wobby-legged brute in his girations, slipped through the fence and started off on his own hook. Bossie, a splendid milker, though rather wild and unmannerly, vaulted over the fence and took after her vagrant offspring.State Journal: Leigh a little town of less than 600, cops the big prize, a silk American flag. Following the recent announcement that the time of the state wide membership drive of the American Legion Auxiliary had been extended to February 15, the contest waged hotly between Leigh and Peru for the big silk flag. At the last minute Leigh sent in dues for twelve additional members making a total of fiftyfive, and a 39.2 per cent gain over last year. Leigh is a little town of 567 inhabitants and one-tenth of the entire town belongs to the auxiliary. The prize is a flag, 3x5 feet, of good quality banner silk. It is trimmed and mounted according to officials regulations and includes rain cover and russet leather belt. Announcement of prizes for the other two classes is delayed awaiting further proof of claim of some of contestants. The following units were awarded special mention for having paid in 100 per cent or more of last year's membership.
These were: Atkinson, Aurora, Bloomfield, Blue Hill, Chappell, Clarkson, Creighton, Creston, Crete, Edgar, Falls City, Gothenburg, Harvard, Hay Springs, Hooper, Kearney, Leigh, Lincoln, Norfolk, Oakland, Palmer, Peru, Spalding, St. Edward, Swanton, Valley, Wayne. For 90 per cent or more of last year's memberships, Bertrand, Hartington, Ord, Pierce, Sutherland, Verdigre and York.
March 8, 1923 - reprinted April 27, 1994The citizens of Clarkson were lured from their fireplaces into the beastly blizzard Saturday evening between the hours of eight and nine by the piercing sound of the fire whistle.
A call for the fire department was turned in from the Albert Svoboda home north of the railroad tracks when it was found that a pile of old newspapers caught on fire in the basement from an overheated furnace.
However, before the firemen were able to reach the home through the deep snow drifts word came that the conflagration was put out by a bucket brigade. But little damage resulted from the blaze.
We had a terrible gale that evening and it was a blessing for the town that the fire was extinguished as it would have been an utter impossibility to keep the flames from spreading in the storm.
The Crowell Lumber and Grain Co.'s elevator and lumber sheds are situated only a short distance from the Svoboda home.Frank J. Hobza and his brothers, Edward and Charles, of the city, received the sad message from Schuyler last Saturday that their father, Charles Hobza Sr., was stricken with apoplexy.
His death came suddenly at about eleven o'clock in the forenoon. He seemed to be enjoying good health and was able to be around to the very last moment. Mr. Hobza was a pioneer settler of this county and for awhile also lived in Clarkson, having moved from here to Schuyler two years ago.
He was born in Bohemia on October 15, 1851, and would have reached his 72nd year next October. When a young man of twenty-eight years he left his native land and immigrated to America, the year of his arrival being 1879. He heard the call of the golden west and located in Colfax county where he lived ever since.
For many years he lived on a farm in Wilson precinct and in his days was one of the leading farmers of that precinct. Having sold his land interests in Wilson precinct some years ago, he located on a farm in the Rogers locality and later came to Clarkson.
Two years ago he sold his property here and moved to Schuyler.
Burial was made Monday in the Heun cemetery.
The deceased leaves a wife and six sons, Frank, Edward and Charles, of Clarkson; Rudolph of Wilson precinct; John and Emil, who live in the south end of the county.The Nebraska supreme court in an opinion handed down Monday in the case of the State Bank of Omaha against County Treasurer Endress, held that state bank stock can be taxed only as intangible.
It therefore takes the one-fourth rate and cannot be taxed at a higher rate than National bank stock.
The decision of the supreme court will cause a shudder to pervade the spinal columns of village and school administrations. Under the old law the banks were annual contributors with a substantial sum to these funds and it is probable that many school boards will face a situation of having an insufficient amount of money from taxation to meet the demands of the school.
Schuyler will miss a considerable amount as well as Howells, where three state banks have been contributors, two at Clarkson and each instance the expectations have been based upon the assumption that the banks would pay the usual amount of taxes.Richard Daniels, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo Daniels, had his right leg quite badly injured last Thursday when he was pushed off the porch at the school house.
The little fellow will probably be confined to his bed for several weeks, although he is doing nicely under the care of Dr. Eby.Julius Zastera, of Clarkson, arrived here this week to accept a position in the First National Bank left vacant by the removal of Ed Rozmarin.
Mr. Rozmarin had to give up the position owing to his wife's failing health, and the family left Monday for Kearney, Nebraska, on their first lap of their journey to California. In the departure of Mr. Rozmarin the bank loses a most valuable employee and the community a good citizen. While their departure is greatly regretted, yet all hope that Mrs. Rozmarin will soon be restored to good health.Friends at this place were grieved to learn of the death of Rachel, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. D.E. Neafus, which occurred in Omaha at eight o'clock on Saturday evening.
The little one had been a victim of the whooping cough for several weeks. Last week pneumonia developed and later spinal menengitis.
She was given the best medical attention that medical skill and loving hands could provide but without avail.
Little Rachel was aged six years, six months and seven days. She was a sweet lovable child and made friends wherever she went.Fred Colsch was called to his old home in Waukon, Iowa, last Thursday by the death of his father, Nicholas Colsch. Mr. Colsch was one of the pioneer settlers of Waukon and had he lived only a few more days he would have passed his 84th milestone.
At four o'clock this afternoon occurred the death of Nicholas Colsch, sr., at the advanced age of eighty-three years.
Deceased had been confined to his home for the past few months, but up until the last year had, as he said, never known a sick day in his life and was hale and hearty until the ravages of time made such inroads that a few months ago he suffered the beginning of a general breaking up of the threads of life until this afternoon when he quietly passed away.
Nicholas Colsch was born in Rhine Bavaria, Germany, March 23, 1839. He spent several years in the German army when a boy and at the age of twenty-eight, came to America and settled on a farm in Makee township.
He was married in 1869 at Waukon, to Mrs. Catherine Durst Legler. To this union five children were born, all of whom with the sorrowing wife survive, Nicholas, jr., John, Charles and Catherine of Waukon and Fred, of Clarkson, Nebraska.
The funeral will be held from St. Patrick's church in Waukon Saturday morning at 10:00, Rev. Father O'Sullivan officiating, and the remains will be laid to rest in Oakland cemetery.
March 8, 1923 - reprinted May 4, 1994On Sunday forenoon C. E. Munyon, the city electrician, was severely scalded by steam on the left side of his face.
Mr. Munyon was doing some overhauling of the machinery at the plant with his assistant, Jos. Roether, when suddenly steam escaped through the water heater, striking him in the face.Mr. Emil H. Koza and Miss Libbie J. Stonacek were quietly married by Judge Louis Dern Wednesday morning, February 28. They were attended by Mr. Paul Roker and Miss Amelia Koza. Immediately after the ceremony the bride and bridegroom and the attendants were entertained at the home of the bridegroom's mother, Mrs. Anna Koza.
In the afternoon the newly weds autoed to various points in eastern Nebraska, returning to Norfolk in the evening. They will go to housekeeping in the very near future on the farm home of Mrs. Anna Koza, which Emil has rented for the coming season.
The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Stonacek and a young lady of merit and ability. She has lived in this county her entire life where her friends are many and admirers unlimited. In her community she was active in all civic and social affairs being efficient and able.
The bride groom is likewise a Stanton County boy, well known and highly esteemed by all. He has for a number of years farmed in Stanton County, as well as being an auto mechanic in Stanton for a year or more. Emil knows well the farming business at which he has been both successful and prosperous. We are certain that he and his bride will find happiness and good fortune in their married life.Henry Janda and his mother were at Howells last Monday assisting with the moving of Mr. and Mrs. Amos Lacina into their new home which they purchased just lately.
Lumir Husak and Miss Clara Wecker of Osmond were quietly married at Pierce, Nebraska, on Wednesday, January 24.
The couple were attended by Miss Lillie Wecker, sister of the bride and Miss Julia Husak, sister of the groom, as bridesmaids, and Frank Husak, brother of the bridegroom and George Wecker, brother of the brides [sic], as best man.
They will go to housekeeping on the Husak farm north of Leigh. The bridegroom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Husak and is one of the prosperous and industrious young farmers of Stanton county.
He was born and reared in this community and has hosts of friends who extend hearty congratulations and well wishes ot [sic] him and his bride in their matrimonial venture.Mrs. Francis Vrbicky, wife of John Vrbicky of this city, laid down the burdens of the life Saturday morning and passed into the better world. Mrs. Vrbicky had been ailing since last November with diabetes. At times she suffered intensely and made a bold a struggle to stay the cold hand but all her efforts and the assistance of those who were administering to her were left unheeded.
Mrs. Vrbicky was a native of Bohemia, having been born in 1858. She became the wife of John Vrbicky in 1877 and the family came to these shores in the spring of 1890. Their first home in the new land was in Dodge from where they moved after a residence of three years onto a farm in Stanton county.
They spent eleven years in Stanton county and then located on a farm of their own in Colfax county which is now in the care of their son, Jerry. Ten years ago Mr. and Mrs. Vrbicky decided to leave the farm and take a well-earned rest, having moved to Howells and continued to make this their home for the rest of their days.
Burial was made Monday in the St. John cemetery north of Howells where the remains were escorted by a large concourse of relatives, friends and neighbors.
An eloquent sermon was delivered over the casket by Father Drbal. Besides the husband she leaves to mourn two daughters, Josie, wife of Jos. J. Vanek of this community, and Frances, wife of Jos. Smejkal of Stanton county, and one son, Jerry, who farms near Howells.Mrs. Joseph Pechota, Sr., a former resident of Schuyler, passed away at the famiy [sic] home in Omaha Moday afternoon after a brief illness due to an attack of pneumonia.
She was sixty-five years of age at the time of her death. Two brothers, John Bartunek of Colfax county, and James Bartunek of Schuyler, are the near relatives of this vicinty.
Mr. and Mrs. Pechota resided in Schuyler for a number of years. Then they went to Havens, where Mr. Pechota was section foreman for the Union Pacific. They have since resided in Omaha.Winter grains have come thru the winter months in generally good condition, according to a report by the department of agriculture. Although slight damage may have resulted from recent cold weather, particularly in the midwest without snow cover, the benefit of the accompanying rains and snows was said to have more than offset this possibility.
Wheat movement from the farms was reported to be nearly normal in the latter part of February while farm reserves of corn in some of the heavy livestock feeding districts were said to be low, with the movement of corn from the farms in other areas slowed down by lack of cars.
While farm work has slowed down as the result of recent storms and cold weather, it was said to be further advanced than usual in large sections due to the generally mild weather preceding.
Livestock feeding conditions were reported generally good as a result of the mild winter weather, with pastures now beginning to furnish feed in numerous areas, and ranges in generally good shape.
Owing to the heavy movement of farm labor toward industrial centers, the department said, a "marked" shortage of such labor was probable in many localities when the spring rush of farm work begins.Twin girls were born to Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Evert on Saturday of last week. Dr. Myers reports all doing well.
Mrs. Libbie Hasson, who had been assisting at the Shuster homes during their illness, returned Monday to her home at Fremont.
Herman Willgohs and his family moved in from the Dodge neighborhood and will make their home in Clarkson with Mrs. Willgohs' mother, Mrs. Cerv.
March 8, 1923 - reprinted January 11, 1995Lafsky & Gershun of Schuyler arc using a three-quarter page in this week's Press announcing the opening of the spring season at their large store. Be sure to read it. The announcement is accompanied by a list of stupendous bargains too good to be passed
There will be a grand school entertainment and box social given at the Houfek school, District 48, one mile east of Clarkson, on Saturday evening, March 10. Starts at 8:00 o'clock sharp. We have a fine program prepared for you so be sure to come. Ladies are kindly requested to bring lunch boxes. Everybody cordially invited. Alice Schultz Teacher
A caucus will be held at the city hall next Monday evening, March 12, for the purpose of nominating two candidates for the board of village trustees and two candidates for the board of education.
The time is not far off when the radio will take its place beside the household necessities in practically every home. This prediction we base on the number of radio outfits coming to Clarkson. This week Makovsky Bros. received another set which they installed in their store. This set is of the very latest type and goes to show that radical changes in radio operation will be made in the next few years.
This need surprise no one familiar with the experience of electrical and telephone companies who junked many millions of dollars worth of apparatus because of new inventions which proved more economical. One of the possible fields of development are automatic connections between radio and districts so that the range of transmission will be limited only by the desire of those in control.Wednesday after school, March 7, the Ccamp Fire girls held another ceremonial meeting in the club room. The usual program was carried out and a new member, Anna Karel, was admitted to the camp fire circle.
The girls are planning on giving a program consisting of a short play, recitations and several musical selections. Although the exact date has not been fixed, it is hoped that it will be able to be presented in a few weeks.John Wisnieski of near Dodge informs us over the telephone that his sale of Duroc Jersey gilts which was to have been held last Saturday was postponed until next Saturday, March 10, on account of the inferior weather.
March 16, 1923 - reprinted May 11, 1994In observance of an established rule the morning light service at the Clarkson plant was discontinued yesterday morning.
The lights will be on hereafter from 7:30 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. with the exception of Sabbath day and on Mondays and Tuesdays for washing and ironing the current will be put on at 6:00 a.m.
Just how long these hours will be in force is something that cannot be stated at this time as it is a matter of only a few weeks when the town will be supplied with juice from the Scribner plant.
We will then have 24-hour service. The transformers which have been the chief factors in delaying the whole matter have arrived and are now being put in place.
When these are installed all will be ready for the run.John Panek, a pioneer of northwestern Colfax county, died at the family home in Clarkson yesterday afternoon. Funeral will be held at the Catholic church at this place on Thursday morning at 10.
Death entered the home of Edward Loukota and wife, living in the south part of town, and on Saturday claimed the spirit of their beloved little son, Rudolph, aged two months and three days. The funeral was held yesterday with services by Rev. A. Svoboda. Burial took place in the Clarkson cemetery and bereaved parents have the sympathy of all in the community.
Christian Kroeger, a pioneer of Midland precinct, suffered a stroke a [sic] paralysis last Thursday and is in a very critical condition.
Friends of Miss Kate Teply and C. Wyskocil extend to them best wishes for joy as this is their wedding day.
They left on this morning's train for Schuyler where they were united in marriage by County Judge Fiala, having been accompanied by the bride's brother, Jos. R. Teply, Jr., and upon their return will make their home here.
The bride is a daughter of Jos. R. Teply and wife, living west of town, and is an estimable young lady who has a host of friends in this community.
Mr. Wyskocil is a successful teacher of music who located here from Howells.This afternoon a double wedding occurred at Fremont when County Judge Stinson united in marriage Miss Anna Janda and Anton Teply Jr., and Miss Emma Molacek and Joseph Janda, the young people having left here on the passenger for that city.
Both brides were handsomely dressed in white silk. Arrangements are being made for a celebration of the happy event at the Vosacek hall upon the return of both couples, which will be largely attended as the brides and grooms are popular and worthy young people of this community.Nuptial mass followed the marriage ceremony which united the lives of Miss Katie Hron and Emil Lodl.
The young couple plighted their troth at the Roman Catholic church. Rev. C.L. Zak having officiated, and were attended at the altar by Miss Pauline Poledna and Jaroslav Lodl, the latter a brother of the groom.
The bride was very prettily attired in a dress of white silk and wore a bridal veil and orange blossoms. Miss Ann Vrba of Howells, a cousin of the groom, assisted by furnishing music during the ceremony and services.
After the services the wedding party sat down to a tempting wedding dinner at the Jos. S. Lodl home at this place. In the afternoon they all drove out to the home of the bride's parents, Joseph Hron and wife, where the happy event was most happily celebrated.The Krofta band gave a mask ball at the Vosacek hall last Saturday evening which was largely attended.
Many maskers were on the floor and some fine costumes were worn. Prizes were awarded as follows: ladies - first prize, Emma Karel, water lily; second, Elizabeth Mastny of Schuyler, U.S. mail; third, Emma Cada, flower girl.
Gents - first prize, Henry Siebert of Leigh, Indian Chief; second, Joseph Kratochvil and John G. Lacina, masons; third Louis J. Sedlak of Leigh, corn king.
The prize for the most comical mask was awarded to Miss Lena Weoppel.After an illness of only four days, little Mary, the infant daughter of Joseph Buresh and wife, living northwest of this place, fell into the peaceful sleep of death from which she awakened to the joys beyond the pearly gates of paradise.
Her death resulted from the effects of an attack of lung fever, and in their sorrow the family has the heartfelt sympathy of their many friends.A daughter was born to Joseph R. Vitek and wife last Thursday.
On Monday Frank J. Koci sold eighty acres of land owned by him, three and a half miles northeast of this place, to Joseph and Frank Jilek for $140 per acre.
Mr. Koci purchased a farm in Saunders county some months ago, and he and his family will move there about the first of the coming month.The infant daughter of Matt Middleton and wife died last Thursday morning after a brief illness.
The little one was two months old and had never been strong. The funeral was held Saturday morning from the home, services in charge of Joseph Krikac, with interment at the Clarkson cemetery.
March 16, 1923 - reprinted May 18, 1994J.H. Moeller has purchased the Peter Duerst farm just east of Leigh, for which he paid $200.00 per acre. The farm is operated by Wm. Porter.
J.H. Moeller sold his residence property the first of the week to F.J. Hubenka, who with his family will take possession of the house in a few weeks. Mr. Hubenka hails from Rogers and is to become one of the force in the First National Bank.
A.A. Aukerman returned the latter part of last week from his trip to California, where he spent several months visiting with a brother and sight-seeing.
Mr. Aukerman thinks California is a nice place to live, but does not value it highly as an agricultural state. He says the biggest business there is farming the tourists.
He saw much of the frail orchards and also the vegetable farms. He states that the larger cities are beautiful, and that they have well kept roads between the cities - and in fact all along the coast.
As his brother was well acquainted with the state, they made many auto trips to various parts of the state.Inheritance tax in the estate of H.C. Wright was assessed in the county court Monday of this week.
The estate was appraised at $41,681.20. One-third, the share of the surviving widow and S10,000 exemption, together with indebtedness, reduced the amount taxable to $16,462.82, and the tax of one per cent brought to the county treasurer $164.62.
Three and one-half per cent of this amount was payable to Lancaster county. An inheritance tax of $40 was assessed against the Henry Dasenbrock estate in the county court this week.
The estate was appraised at $18,000, and consisted of 120 acres of land near Leigh.Horses, which have been selling slowly hereabouts most of the sale period, brought better than usual prices, a span of mares topping at $300.
Mrs. Jacob Wagner passed away at her home in this city at an early hour Tuesday after a prolonged illness.
Mrs. Wagner suffered a stroke of paralysis November 13 last, and since that time has been utterly helpless.
She fell last July and sustained a fractured hip and was confined to the hopsital for several weeks. She suffered the loss of her speech at the time of the stroke of paralysis and was never again able to regain it.
She bore her affliction with remarkable patience and fortitude, never murmuring or complaining in the slightest degree.
The funeral rites were conducted at St. Mary's Catholic church in the city this Thursday morning. Father Vitko, celebrating the requiem mass.
The services were attended by a large number of friends who regarded Mrs. Wagner as an estimable lady. Interment was made in the Schuyler cemetery.
Anna Klimes was born in Bohemia on October 20, 1855 and passed away at Schuyler, Nebraska, on March 6 1923. being 67, four months and 16 day[s] of age at the time of her death.
In 1870, she came to America with her parents who settled on a farm in Adams precinct of Colfax county.
She was united in marriage to Jacob Wagner in Schuyler in October, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner farmed in Maple Creek precinct for twenty years. In March 1900, they moved to Schuyler where they have since made their home.
The surviving relatives are the husband, two brothers, George Klimes and James Klimes, both of Clarkson and two sisters, Mrs. Mary Zelda of Abie and Mrs. Jennie Barta of Hawley, Minnesota.James Pavlicek last week purchased a 40-acre tract of John A. Dowd, northwest of Schuyler city limits, paying $250 per acre for the tract. This price indicates that land values hereabouts are working back to a normal price.
J.S. Pokorny returned from a Chicago hospital the latter part of the week, where he spent two weeks taking treatment for eczema with which he has been troubled for many years past.
Mr. Pokorny believes that he has been considerably improved and will continue the treatment for several months.Miss Gladys Jonas, a nurse in training at Nicholas Senn hospital in Omaha, and Stanley Jonas, a student at the University at Lincoln, were called home last week because of the serious illness of their father, John Jonas, who was ill with pneumonia. Mr. Jonas is very much improved at this writing.
After an illness of two weeks due to ailments attendant to old age, Matthew Popelka, a resident of Schuyler for a number of years, passed away at his home in the third ward at an early hour Tuesday morning.
Mr. Popelka was born in Presovice, Moravia, in 1845. He was in his seventy-ninth year at the time of his death.The purebred sale of Durocs held by Frank and Jerry Houfek Monday of this week, despite the almost impassible condition of the roads, brought quite satisfactory prices.
The first lot offered consisting of five bred gilts was purchased by John J. Spulak at $60 per head - $300 for the lot. Other prices ranged well, and Mr. Houfek feels encouraged.
He has been building up one of the real good Duroc herds in the county, and has some individuals as good as may be found in the state.Last Tuesday occurred the marriage of Miss Bertha Vahle, and Mr. Charles Konopasek.
The marriage took place at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dick Vahle, and was witnessed by a large number of friends and relatives.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dick Vahle, and was reared to beautiful womanhood in our locality.
She is a charming young lady and was very popular with a large host of friends who had the pleasure of knowing her.
The groom needs no introduction, having worked in this neighborhood for several years. Of late he has been working at the Carl Schultze home.
Mr. and Mrs. Konopasek will go to housekeeping on a farm near Wisner, which Mr Konopasek has rented for the coming year.
March 16, 1923 - reprinted September 21, 1994Rudolph and Earl Rosicky. sons of Mr. and Mrs. John Rosicky of this city and their brother-in-law, Clifford Phillips, ventured into business at Lynch, having purchased the hardware stock of Opocensky Bros.
Earl Rosicky and Mr. Phillips have charge of the store and will be joined by Rudolph Rosicky after the closing of his school term in Stanton county sometime next May.
It is the only hardware store in Lynch and the boys believe they made a good investment. Mr. Phillips and his wife returned recently from California where they moved last year.
Earl Rosicky had been employed at one of the Lynch banks the past two or three years and is well acquainted in and around Lynch.An appreciative crowd was present at the home talent play "The Three Chauffeurs," given by the Sunshine club. The cast was composed wholly of feminine characters and all did exceedingly well.
Their parts were properly enacted and were present with astonishing ease. The actors and their eminent trainer, Mrs. Emma Maliha, are deserving of credit and are to be complimented on the success of their play.
Several fine musical numbers were introduced between the acts by the Clarkson band and others which were also highly appreciated. After defraying the incurred expense the net proceeds of the evening's entertainment will be turned into the public library fund.
March 16, 1923 - reprinted January 11, 1995The Bohemian play "Zavet" which was to have been given at Clarkson a short time ago by the Heun talent but had to be postponed on account of bad weather will be given here on St. Patrick's day, Saturday, March 17. In translation of the title of the play means "Last Will". It deals principally with the probation of a last will made by a peasant in the old country and is based on an excellent plot, the unravelings of which are deeply interesting. The proceeds of the play will be divided between the Clarkson and Heun parishes. Special costumes and attire have been provided for the play. Reserved seat tickets may be procured in advance at the Clarkson State Bank.
The new rural mail carriers schedule applying to the Clarkson postoffice was put into effect last Monday. The carriers leave the postoffice at 11:00 a.m. in place of 8:30 and take out all mail brought in by the morning trains. Those who take morning dailies will especially appreciate the benefit of the change as heretofore they received their morning papers until the following day, say nothing about the other mail.
March 22, 1923 - reprinted May 25, 1994Clarkson is awakening from one of the most violent snow storms we had in many years. The blizzard accompanied by a strong gale struck this part of the state Saturday at about 2:00 p.m. and continued unceasingly until Sunday afternoon.
A warning reached Clarkson shortly before noon that a severe snow storm was sweeping over northwest Nebraska and that the fury was headed in this direction.
The weather soon turned cold and in less than two hours after the message had been received a terrific storm was sweeping the country.
Farmers who came to town in the forenoon to do their trading lost no time in leaving for their homes as the wind gained velocity. Many were caught in the storm and suffered severely but all were able to reach their homes safely.
A number of the old-timers said the storm resembled the big blizzard of 1888.
Railroad traffic on this branch was completely demoralized, leaving the towns with no train service. Saturday's west-bound passenger and all trains until Monday were annulled.
For the two days the town was isolated and all who did not have to venture out stuck to the fireplace.
Drifts from ten to eighteen feet high covered the cuts along the roads and a number of the highways were impassible in places.
Mail carriers suffered heavily in their endeavor to serve the patrons on their routes. Movie fans were minus their Sunday show on account of the non-arrival of the films which were tied up in Scribner.
Trains, are now arriving on their scheduled time and regular service has been restored in all lines of business.
On Monday a force of men was sent out to clear some of the blockaded roads. Snow was fourteen feet deep in the cuts east of town and there was no way to open the road.
This necessitated a detour from Howells by going west as far as the Colfax highway, following this road one mile south and then two miles west, coming into town from the south.After a search since Saturday for three cows belonging to George and Ed. Arps, who live five miles east of Fremont, the bovines were found Tuesday frozen to death in a ditch about a mile from the Arps home.
At the time the blizzard arose on Saturday the cattle were in a pasture. When the owners came to look for them, it was found that they had wandered away.
A search of the surrounding territory failed to disclose any sign of them and the owners were forced to leave them to the mercy of the blizzard.
Tuesday morning when the search was renewed the animals were found under snow in a ditch, where apparently they had crawled to find shelter. They were milch cows and were valued at about sixty dollars each.Jos. V. Podany, who but recently moved back onto his farm in Stanton county, suffered a painful scalp wound yesterday afternoon while bringing a load of hogs to town.
He occupied a seat on a triple-decked wagon from which he was forcibly ejected by a sudden jar caused by the deep ruts in the road Mr. Podany was thrown to the frozen ground, landing squarely on his head.
Although he suffered considerable pain his injury is not considered very serious.J.W. Larson of near Creston lost forty head of thoroughbred Poland China hogs. This is the only loss of livestock from the blizzard that has been reported in that vicinity.
A special meeting of the Clarkson Volunteer Fire department was held at the city hall last Thursday evening for the purpose of initiating a class of seven new members.
The meeting was well attended an immense crowd having turned out to see the red hot branding iron, the goat riding (a real goat, too!) and numerous other tests that the candidates were put through.
The following members initiated: Jos. E. Cakl Jr., J.V. Janecek, John Poledna, Jerry Polansky, Nathan Moore, Teddy Fillipi and Victor Wacha.
After all the excitement was over, a delightful luncheon was served which was enjoyed by all present.Fred J. Buck has started a program which promises to develop a great deal of interest as well as profit to the people of the Wisner vicinity and perhaps to those who inhabit the Elkhorn Valley for miles in each direction as a wide interest has already been shown.
Last Sunday C.A. Day, of Norfolk, deputy state game warden, was in town to see Mr. Buck and to offer any state assistance which he could give in the new move. By the way, the deputy, is out after the duck hunters and it would be advisable for all to be careful and obey the law regarding spring shooting.
But Mr. Buck explained that he had gone as far as looked practical for a starter. He has remitted $90 to the Wallace-Evans Game Farm, St. Charles. Illinois, and instead of receiving 200 pheasant eggs he has received 300, or will receive them soon, and has the firm's receipt for this remittance.
In connection with these eggs he is getting a number of small incubators to distribute to those who have made request for the pheasant eggs and which should insure a good result.
Many more would take eggs than the twenty who are to be supplied but if the experiment proves successful it will be time enough next year to go in to this pheasant hatching more extensively.The O'Connor farm situated three and one half miles north and three and one half east of North Bend, was sold last Tuesday at the court house in Fremont to William Rodgers of Hooper for the sum of $23,000.
It was sold at a referee's sale. The land comprises some of the best in Dodge county. On it is a sowing of winter wheat that went with the farm.On Saturday, Dr. Knight presented Mr. and Mrs. John Jonas, living in the west part of town, with a fine nine pound baby girl, their first born.
During the past week the generous physician also left a nine pound baby boy at the Charles Bartak home, north of town. All are well and happy.
March 22, 1923 - reprinted June 1, 1994The Supreme Court recently handed down a decision, reversing the lower court, in the case of Melcher vs. State, going up from Stanton county, to the effect that the property of an innocent owner of an automobile could not be forfeited in a criminal prosecution where the driver of the vehicle was convicted for the unlawful transportation of intoxicating liqours without giving the owner a chance to prove her property rights therein.
This is the first case since the passage of the 1919 statutes where the court has ever recognized that there are any exceptions there to.
Clara Maas of Norfolk, Nebraska, claimed to be the owner of the car in question and alleged that it was taken from her possession by a trespasser and thus caught in the transportation of liquor.
The effect of the court's holdings is that if such is the case, her property rights in the car can not be forfeited.
Attorneys G.A. Eberly and D.C. Chase of Stanton, Nebraska, represented Clara Mass.County Clerk Jerry E. Severyn and Miss Vilma Chrastil went to Omaha Wednesday where they were united in marriage in the forenoon.
Mr. and Mrs. Severyn returned to Schuyler Thursday and have gone to housekeeping in the home near the court house recently vacated by Mr. and Mrs. Joe Sedlacek. Mr. Severyn had the home already for occupancy at the time of the wedding which, as he and his bride had planned should be a quiet affair.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sauer of Schuyler. Born and raised in Schuyler, she has grown to young womanhood as a great favorite among her numerous friends and acquaintances.
She is a young lady whose every trail of character and disposition has made her popular in her home city. Mrs. Severyn was employed at the offices of the Wells-Abbot-Nieman Co., Inc., recently.
The groom, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Severyn of this city, needs no introduction to the people of this community being too well and favorably known throughout the entire county.
He is at present serving his first term as county clerk of Colfax county. He, too, was born and raised in Schuyler. His different business associations in Schuyler have shown him to be a young man of integrity and unquestionable character.
His jolly and congenial disposition have made him staunch friends wherever he has chanced to be. He is a young man of most exemplary habits and is held in much favor by all who his acquaintance and his friendship.Emil Wegner, while at his wife's home at Howells had the misfortune to have a tree fall on his foot, crushing three toes.
This happened before Christmas and he is still on crutches. He had been at Howells since the accident and he and Mrs. Wegner returned last Friday to Wisner.On Monday, Dr. Myers with the assistance of Dr. C.G. Moore of Fremont performed an operation for appendicitis on Frankie, the eight-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Pete Limbach.
Our city election on April 3 promises to be a lively affair.
Two parties are in the field for city and school officials. On Friday a citizens' caucus was held at which Messrs. John Nagengast, John Wagner and Frank Hampl were nominated for village trustees.
The school board nominees were named at this same caucus. These are: Mesdames Lambert Sindelar and J.F. Palensky and Messrs. R.F. Busch and A.H. Mestl. Only two are to be elected, however, the law requires that four be nominated.
The second caucus was held Saturday evening in spite of the ragging [sic] blizzard.
This was known as the People's caucus and the candidates on this ticket for village trustees are: Messrs. John J. Sindelar, Jr., J.P. Fiala and Blaz. Zastera. At this meeting no school nominees were named.C.W. Konvalin, former resident of this community, now residing on his farm north of Leigh, was here Tuesday and Wednesday on business.
John Pickhinke, who has been making his home in Denver for some time, surprised his many friends and relatives last Thursday afternoon passenger train. He intends to remain here for at a time.
The carload of feeders advertised for sale last Saturday with Col. Bierbaum in charge were sold at private sale by the owner to Jos. F. Strudl and Chas L. Suchan.
The boys intend to run them in their pasture and feed them out next fall and winter.Last Friday and Saturday certainly was some hog day in Howells, twenty carloads having been marketed here. In number there were about 1500 head.
Some bunch of hogs, we say, and all were purchased by the Farmers Lumber and Grain Co. According to this one be lead to believe that when a firm will buy so many hogs at one clip that their prices and service must be very satisfactory.
We doubt there is another town on this line where one firm does such a large percentage of live stock buying. On Monday James A. Drahota accompanied twelve carloads to the Omaha market.Mrs. Robert Pont, who has been sick for some time, is reported as getting along well under the care of Dr. Hebbenstriet. The trained nurse who was assisting in taking care of her left for her home last Sunday.
Fire of an unknown origin started upstairs in the home of Frank T. Sindelar in the Tabor neighborhood. With the assistance of neighbors the fire was put out after doing considerable damage.
In spite of all the family is certainly fortunate in that the fire was extinguished as it might have resulted in the loss of their fine home
The Howells fire department went out with the truck but the fire had been put out before they arrived.Christian Bayer is reported seriously ill at the Arthur Moore home southwest of town.
Albert Dolejs of Dodge was in Howells last Tuesday, looking after some business matters.
March 22, 1923 - reprinted June 8, 1994One of the most important conferences ever held by agriculturalists in this country closed a five-day session in St. Paul last Saturday.
In reality there were two meetings one the Northwest Stabalization Conference and the second under the auspices of the Farm Bureau Federation.
Driven by the exigencies of a situation which was declared to be the most deplorable in the history of agriculture, a group of 1500 farmers representing organizations in ten grain-growing states, have joined in a plea for emergency legislation to provide them an income and for the adoption of cooperative marketing plans as set forth by experts of state and federal farm bureaus.
Among the advisers and speakers were nationally known editors, farm association officials, bankers, including Federal Reserve Board and Farm Bank, railroad and warehouse representative and others.
The common question and purpose was the raising to normal value the "Farmer's dollar" which is said to be worth only two-thirds as much as a dollar to others.
Through the combined accomplishments of the two gathering it is evident that this purpose is now on the way to realization.
One resolution, adopted by an overwhelming majority, petitions for an extra session of Congress and demands passage of the Gooding bill establishing minimum price of $1.75 a bushel on wheat at terminals.
Projects approved by the cooperative marketing conference include establishment of potato marketing associations in various states as a foundation for a national society, foundation of a national grain marketing institution and organization of a single sales agency to advertise and sell products of dairy cooperatives throughout the United States in the same manner as do the California fruit growers.
Consumers in this country are paying about all they can afford for farm products, but the farmer receives hardly sufficient to pay for the sacks or containers. Many instances of this fact are on record.
The diffence [sic] goes to the railroads and the middlemen. Cooperative marketing seems to be only practical and permanent remedy.
Reduced freight rates will not mean much to the farmer unless other conditions are altered. The stabilization of wheat prices for three years will give the wheat growers a chance to organize and systemize their selling agency.
It is an easy matter to deplore the "drift to the cities", but in reality it is a flight from penury. One thing is certian [sic] - namely, that no nation can endure in which the primary producer of wealth is unable to earn a decent livelihood.Mrs. Veronika Dostal arrived in Howells last Tuesday frm [sic] her home in Omaha for a visit with relatives and friends. She says that she is very well pleased with her residence in Omaha.
August Stuckenschneider and family are moving out to the Jas. A. Drahota farm south of Dodge this week which Mr. Stuckenschneider rented for the coming season.
Lena Locke, Pilger, Nebraska, who teaches a rural school in the southern part of Stanton county had just finished making the fire in the school house stove the other morning when she noticed a bottle filled with liquid lying in the flames.
She put on a pair of gloves and pulled out the bottle in time to discover that she had probably kept the stove from being blown into atoms.
The bottle with a pint capacity, was filled with gasoline and had a clamped cork which would have caused a more serious explosion than an ordinary cork.Fred Thalken lost a horse in a very unexpected manner Saturday evening. He had a team of heavy draft horses tied in front of his father's residence in town and as he started home one of the animals broke one of its legs.
He was in the act of backing the team away from the hitching post when the accident occurred. The animal had to be killed and the loss is a heavy one for Mr. Thalken, as the horse was one of the best kind of draft horses.Aaron Henry of Leigh, formerly an automobile dealer there, has purchasd the implement business heretofore conducted by Botsch Brothers.
Mr. Henry was given possession at once and expects to move his family here shortly. Although the Botsch Brothers have not made known their future intentions, Pete Botsch, member of the firm intimated that they might continue in the electrical business, here.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Henry are known to many Madison people. Mrs. Henry was formerly Miss Hazel Swell of Omaha and like her husband has a number of friends here.Despite the fact that in many places along the rural routes on the east and west roads there were snow drifts all the way from four to five feet deep and from a quarter to a half mile long, the carriers on the routes made their regular trip each day the first of last week.
In many places it was even impossible for a team to get through but the carriers managed in some way to get by the bad places along the routes and serve every one of their patrons. Each carrier has a thirty mile trip and on some of the days it took them seven hours to make it.
The carriers should be complimented for the service they are endeavoring to give their patrons, especially in view of the fact that in many places where the snow fall was not near as heavy as it was in this section the rural patrons did not have any service for as many as three days.Mr. Spence Butterfield was a pleasant caller at the Gazetter office one day last week and while here he informed us that the Butterfield Company had again assumed the tract or part of the tract of land, known as the Elkhorn Ranch, lying two miles west of Magnet.
Mr. Brueggeman who has been operating the place the past couple of year, will be retained as manager of the ranch. The Elkhorn Ranch dates back from the early days of the community and it almost seems good to have the place re-established as such.Adolph Tomes returned home the forepart of the week from the Nicholas Senn hospital, Omaha, where he underwent an operation for appendicitis.
March 22, 1923 - reprinted October 4, 1994After a search for three cows belonging to George and Ed Arps, who live five miles east of Fremont, the bovines were found frozen to death in a ditch about a mile from the Arps home.
At the time the blizzard arose the cattle were in a pasture. When the owners came to look for them it was found that they had wandered away.
A search of the surrounding territory failed to disclose any sign of them and the owners were forced to leave them to the mercy of the blizzard,
When the search was renewed the animals were found under snow in a ditch, where apparently they had crawled to find shelter. They were milch cows and were valued at about $60 each.Jos. V. Podany, who but recently moved back onto his farm in Stanton county, suffered a painful scalp wound while bringing a load of hogs to town.
He occupied a seat on a triple-decked wagon from which he was forcibly ejected by a sudden jar caused by the deep ruts in the road.
Mr. Podany was thrown to the frozen ground, landing squarely on his head.
Although he suffered considerable pain his injury is not considered very serious.The O'Connor farm situated three and one half miles north and three and one half east of North Bend, was sold at the court house in Fremont to William Rodgers of Hooper for the sum of $23,000.
March 29, 1923 - reprinted June 15, 1994John Lacina, 55 years old, Schuyler section hand on the Union Pacific, died at St. Mary's hospital at Columbus Tuesday forenoon following the amputation of both legs as the result of an accident at Schuyler Monday morning at 10 a.m. when he fell below the wheels of a moving freight train, the wheels mangling both his legs.
Lacina, with several other men, was working on a train gave a sudden jerk forward, for which the men were not prepared.
The impetus sent Lacina under the wheels between the cars. Before the train could be stopped three cars had passed over his legs, crushing them terribly.
Train No. 7, the Los Angeles Limited westbound was the first passenger train due. It was promptly flagged and Lacina was placed aboard and rushed to Columbus where company surgeons for the Union Pacific, performed the amputation, removing the right leg above the knee and the left leg just below the knee.
Lacina was a native of Bohemia where he was born May 12, 1877. He had lived in Schuyler for many years. He leaves his wife and five children, the eldest of whom is married, and the youngest only eight months old.
Mrs. Lacina, who was at his bedside when death came, was almost prostrated with grief. The tragedy was doubly hard for her, because her father died less then two weeks ago. Funeral services were held this morning, Thursday, at Schuyler.It is not pleasant and profitable always to tell the truth in the columsn of a newspaper. Men who have always come to grief. Only a few days ago the editor of a paper in Indiana grew tired of being called a liar and announced that he would tell the truth in the future; and the next issue of the paper contained the following items:
"John Bonin, the laziest merchant in town made a trip to Belleville yesterday."
"John Coyle, our grocery-man, is doing a poor business. His store is dirty and dusty. Why should he do much?"
"Dave Sonkey died at his home in this place. The doctors gave it out as heart failure. Whisky was what killed him."
"Married - Miss Sylvan Rhodes and James Conlin, last Saturday at the parsonage. The bride is a very ordinary town girl who doesn't know anymore about cooking than a jack rabbit and never helped her mother three days in her life.
She is not a beauty by any means and has a giant life of a duck. The groom is an up-to-date loafer. He has been living off the old folks all his life and is not worth the look of a decent man. It will be a hard life.
Our congressman, a very ordinary man, and who elected by accident, was here yesterday. He has very few friends here now. He first promised some of the voters a piece of pie in the event of his election but had forgotten all about it when the time came to hand over the little offices.
It [sic] the newspaper was to print the absolute truth about the people this is the kind of news that would appear in its columns.A sigh of relief was felt by many Clarkson consumers of electricity when the Scribner hightension electric line was put into commission last Sunday. A test of the line was made late Saturday night and the switch was thrown on for good after a few alternations on Sunday.
We now have the benefit of 24-hour service. Owing to the inability of the Scribner company to obtain some of the necessary equipment for their plan, the "peak" load in the evening from seven to ten is carried on by the Clarkson plant.
As soon as the machinery arrives and is installed which may be a matter of possibly several weeks the entire run will then be taken over by Scribner.
The local plant erected at a cost of over $30,000 three years ago will cease operation and become idle. This, we believe, will be for the good of the village as the plant has been operating at a great loss to the town. The service so far rendered by the Scribner plant was devoid of trouble and the current is giving satisfaction to both, light and motor users.
The project has been carried thorugh strictly in accordance to the contract and no deviation was made from the agreement by either party. The job was completed in a satisfactory manner and we want to compliment the village board on the strictly business method they employed in handling the matter.
We understand that Howells will be ready to connect with the transmission line in the course of a few weeks. Scribner will then supply four towns besides its own people with electric service.A baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Novotny last Tuesday, the presentation being made by Dr. Knight. Mrs. Novotny is at present living with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alois Kudrna, while her husband is employed at Omaha.
March 29, 1923 - reprinted October 12, 1994Arthur Hahn is at Howells, assisting Jos. Hamsa with the repair of road machinery.
Mrs. Chas. Psotta left this morning for Schuyler to attend to matters relative to the estate of her late husband.
Owing to the severe weather last Saturday, the Big Seven Threshing Co. of Stanton county was forced to postpone the sale of their threshing outfit until April 7.
Saturday morning was an ideal spring day and enticed many visitors to venture out only to be stalled by the blizzard.
Mr. and Mrs. Anton Srb and little daughter and Mrs. Louis Sedlak came over from Leigh Saturday morning for a few hours' visit with relatives but were stalled here on account of the paralyzed train service until Monday afternoon.
Lambert Jirovec and Frankie Miller also experienced some unpleasantries be the blizzard. Saturday morning they went to Howells to take violin lessons, expecting to return with the afternoon passenger.
This train did not show up and the boys were forced to remain in Howells until Monday noon.Mrs. Frank Chleboun left for her former home in Prague, where she was called by the serious illness of her grandmother, Mrs. Kaspar, whose condition owing to her advanced age is considered greatly alarming.
Miss Agnes Castka went to Omaha to receive medical treatment at the Nicholas Senn hospital. She was accompanied by Miss Pauline Polansky.
J.D. Wolf was in Omaha the forepart of the week, tending to business matters.
F.J. Miller reports the sale of a fine Hammond player piano to Louis Molacek, Jr., and a large Victrola to Dr. Kavan.
He also sold a Victor talking machine to school district No. 62, southwest of Clarkson.Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Pekny returned to Clarkson from Schuyler in company of their son, Edward, who recently underwent an operation at the Schuyler hospital for appendicitis.
They left Schuyler on Saturday morning but were delayed in reaching here on account of snowbound trains. They made the trip by way of Oakdale.The many local friends of Wesley Mundil of Chicago, a former Clarkson boy and son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Mundil, will be glad to learn of the tidings that his wife presented him with a baby boy one day last week.
Misses Libby Novotny and Anna Jirovec were here for the weekend for a vist. On Monday they were several hours late in reaching their schools on account of the impeded train service.
The former teaches at Scribner and the latter at Snyder.
Both of the young ladies were re-elected to their present positions for the coming term.Yager Nursery & Seed Co. of Fremont offered these seed prices in an ad in The Colfax County Press: Per bus.
Alfalfa (Prime) .... $ 8.40
Alfalfa (Choice).... $10.20
Alfalfa (Standard).... $13.20
Alfalfa (Dakota) .... $14.40
Sweet Clover (Fancy) .... $13.20
Red Clover (Choice).... $12.60The Big Seven Threshing Co., will offer at auction April 7, the following equipment: One J. I. Case 20 h.p. Steam Engine. One Avery Separator, 32x56. One Machine Shed, 50x12x10. Some Tools. One Extra Jack and One 7-to Jack.
Elmer E. Hardy, Factory Piano Tuner had an ad in The Press announcing his special price on piano tuning in Clarkson April 5.
The price list: Tuning players $3.00, tuning pianos $2.00.Jerry and Anton Cernin, formerly of this community, but of late making their home in Schuyler, left for Omaha, where both have entered a barber college to learn the trade.
Mrs. Jerry Cernin arrived in Clarkson for a week's visit with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Nebola. After the visit she will join her husband in Omaha, where they plan to make their future home.The two-year-old infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hefti fell into a vessel of hot water while the busy mother was doing the family washing.
Fortunately, Mrs. Hefti was standing nearby and immediately reached for the child.
Dr. Knight was called to the home and found the child only slightly scalded about the face and chest.
The mother's presence of mind and the fact that the child was given immediate help, saved the babe from possible death.Saturday evening, this part of the state was "Dead Spot" as far as radio fans are concerned.
"Dead Spots" may be found in many parts of the country and wherever they exist radio communication is impossible. The resembled "Dead Spot" experienced by local fans last Saturday, luckily, was only of a short duration.
It was between the hours of 7 and 9 in the evening when not one single radio set in town would function. This handicap proved to exist not only in Clarkson but also at Howells and Dodge and in other places in a radius of many miles.
Radio owners were unable to ascertain the cause until word had reached here that the electric line from Scribner was grounded a short ways east of Howells at a place where the line charged with a high voltage crosses the railroad track.
This naturally had a tendency on the radio and caused a general "Dead Spot". The intense spark escaping from the line into a guy wire was responsible for the deadening of the radio waves and thus the sets had nothing to detact.
After making the proper changes, all went well again.