The Colfax County Press publishes a weekly column entitled Peeking into the Past, which is comprised of articles taken from earlier Colfax County Press files, written by Helen C. Evans. A special thank you to the Colfax County Press for allowing me to reprint those articles! The following are selections from that column:
November 15, 1923 - reprinted January 17, 1996Because of the unwarranted delay in getting everything fixed up and arranged properly, Frank Brabec will not be able to open his meat market to the public before next Saturday. He expects to have things in shape by that time providing that nothing else gets in his way.
George Padrnos, who was born on a farm in the vicinity of the Mrazek church, and who left this county with his parents when but a small boy to live in south Dakota, was in Clarkson looking the field over with a view of opening a law office here. Mr. Padrnos is a graduate of the Creighton law college of Omaha and spent the past two years practicing under an old lawyer in Iowa.
He is a brother of Jos. L. Padrnos, who is a counsellor of law at Omaha. Mr. Padrnos interviewed a number of our leading citizens in regard to the proposition but left town undecided as to what he will do.Dr. Kavan presented Mr. and Mrs. Anton J. Kratochvil living southwest of town with a fine 9 lb. baby boy this week.
A marriage license was issued at Council Bluffs to Henry H. Callies and Lillian Malasek, both of Leigh.
CLARKSON MARKETS
Wheat: $ .90
Corn: .75-.55
Oats: .35
Rye: .52
Hogs: 6.00
Butter: .30
Eggs: .35The merchants ot Clarkson and a large number of private citizens have adopted a new idea in displaying the Stars and Stripes. In place of hanging the flag in the windows or hoisting it to the top of their business houses the colors are now displayed in a conspicuous place directly in front of each building, presenting a much better view. The movement was established by the American Legion through the sale of the banners. Orders were solicited at S3.85 per flag, including a 12-foot staff.
In addition to the class of thirteen taken into the Presbyterian church at Clarkson, twenty-one young people look the communion of this faith. Special services in English were held by Rev. Filipi. Below is the list of communicants: Alfreda Barbara Balzer, John Henry Balzer, Lawrence Francis Chleboun, Edith Adeline Cinfel, Alice Catherine Minnie Herling, John Henry Friedrich Herling, Clara Emma Hoff, Minnie Margaret Hoff, Alvina Bertha Hoff, Alfred William Hoff, Albert Herman Fajamn, Wilma Kabes, Edwin Kabes, Rosie Kvetensky, Jaroslav Kvetensky, Emil Miloslav Pospisil, Jaroslav Pospisil, Melvin Edwin Ruzicka, Daniel Frank Teply, Lumir Stanley Tobias, Vivian Vlasta Tobias.
The local basketball team played the opening game of the season at Brainard with the team of that place.
Our team is composed of the following members: Adolph Dudycha, Stanley Novotny, Stanley Svoboda, Frank Tomes, Jos. Kutin and Louis Psotta. Prof. Hohn is coach.The Clarkson Fire Department was notified of the arrival of the new fire truck and although it is a strictly up-to-date fire rig in every respect and a very nifty looking equipment the firemen refused to unload the truck from the car, owing to the fact that the company in constructing the apparatus did not fully live up to the stipulations of the contract. The agreement called for nickel-plated tanks and various trimmings of the same kind. When the truck arrived it was found that these items were substituted with painted parts. For this reason the committee refused to accept the truck until satisfactory settlement can be made with the company.
In spite of this it is a very pretty outfit and will be of credit to the department. The chemicals and accessories are mounted on a Reo truck chassis and make a dependable combination. This truck will be used in addition to the Ford truck now owned by the department which is to be used to carry hose and ladders. With the new truck, Clarkson will have one of the best fire-fighting outfits in this section of the state.SPECIALS FRED COLSCH
Fancy Red Onions, per lb: .7
Fancy Figs, 8 oz. pkg: .10
Fancy Dates, 10 oz. per pkg: .15
Fancy Roast Peanuts, per lb: .15
Fancy Soft Shell Walnuts, lb: .30
Wilson's Tall Milk, 3 Cans: .33
C. & H. Powdered Sugar, lb: .13
Fancy 5 Sewed Brooms, each: .80
Perfection Oil, 5 Gallons: .70
One Gallon Lnarco Mot. Oil: $1.00
Mica Axle Grease. 25 lbs, for 2.25.
Fred Closch, ClarksonPostmaster Koza is expecting a rushing business during the next few months, and in order to keep up the standard of his efficient services, he has secured the additional help of Miss Collie Teply who began her work the forepart of this week.
According to a report in the Norfolk Daily News, Messrs. Koskan and Oline of Lynch and Anton Dusatko of Clarkson, have purchased the Kroner Lumber company yard in Butte and Anoka. Mr. Oline will have charge of the Butte yards and Mr. Koskan will have charge of the Anoka yards. Mr. Dusatko until a short time ago was interested in a lumber yard at Lynch, having sold out recently.
Frank Novotny has traded his 160-acre farm nine miles northwest of Leigh a short time ago with C. C. Kern for a farm which the latter owned a few miles southwest of Stanton. The transfer is to be made on March 1st.
Owing to the busy season, only six carloads of fat livestock have been sent to the market by the Farmers' Shipping association the past two weeks. Following is a list of the shippers: Wm. Molacek and Joseph Molacek, car of hogs; Jos. Cinfel, car of hogs; Emil B. Cinfel and Jos. W. Pospichal, car of hogs. In addition there were two cars of mixed stuff.
November 15, 1923 - reprinted January 24, 1996A new high-water mark in the price of business lots in Clarkson was set when Fred W. Noh sold the east half of his two lots on the corner north of the hotel building to Frank Vnuk of Dodge for the sum of $3,000. It is a record price for a piece of ground like this but the purchaser was only too glad to get the site at this figure.
Mr. Vnuk bought the lot with the intention of building a filling station on the premises, work on which is to commence at once. It is a logical location for a business of this kind and ought to prove a good investment.
The large trees on the lot which were planted by Anton Dusatko twenty-nine years when but mere seedlings, are being cut down and work on the building of station is to begin without delay. This means another new enterprise for Clarkson.Jos. Mundil, Mrs. J. M. Mundil and Mrs. Emil Folda spent time visiting with relatives at Crete, Wilber and Milligan.
Emil Folda returned from South Dakota where he went in the interest of the state banking commission.
Mr. Folda has traveled considerably thru Dakota and says that he was surprised to find that their corn crop is every bit as good as ours. As a rule farmers are getting an average of 50 to 60 bushels. Around Gregory and Winner and the neighboring territory most of the corn is picked.J. R. Dudycha and Edward Kutin left for Valley, Nebraska, to begin mason work on a new school building, the contract of the building of the structure was awarded to Edwin Kriz. Frank Polacek and Ignac Powolny left to join the crew. Mr. Kriz is gaining quite a reputation as a contractor and at present has several large buildings under construction, including a school building at Hooper.
G. A. Koza, Henry Koza, Gus Modrow and R. F. Rosicky motored over to Lynch where the first two named gentlemen looked after their farm. The other two went down for a visit and to view the country.
Mesdames Filbert Wacha and F. C. Kratochvil were Howells visitors.
Mrs. A. J. Vlach entertained a few of her lady friends at a social party at her home in southwest part of town.
Mrs. Jos. Makovsky, who has been seriously ill, is gradually recovering, and it is the hope of her many friends that she will again be able to leave her bed soon.
Mrs. Josie Vraspir was a Howells visitor.
Emil Folda returned from Neligh and Lincoln where he spent several days in conference with the other members of the State Banking Commission.
A. J. Fayman went to Omaha to attend a meeting of the Nebraska Ford dealers.
Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Kopietz and the lady's sister, Miss Ruth Spetham, motored over from Omaha for a visit with local relatives.
FOR SALE--640 acres clear land near Pierre, South Dakota, at $40.00 an A. Will trade for Colfax County land.--240 acres imp. land five miles of Cedar Rapids, Nebr. $150.00 an A. Is clear, want clear income property.
H. Fricke, Jr., Madison, Nebr.FARM FOR RENT
240 acres, five miles north and one mile west of Clarkson. 190 acres under cultivation, some alfalfa. Plenty of buildings. For further information see the owner. MRS. VINC MRSTIK Clarkson, Nebr.FOR SALE
We have a modern residence property in Creston for sale at a bargain. Eight-room house, full basement, electric lights, oak finish, corner lot and other advantages. Will sell this fine property for $5500 if taken at once. Write or see us.
Odvarka Bros. Clarkson, Neb.According to the Schuyler Sun, Sheriff Arps and special deputy John Gumm, raided the farm home of Joseph Sturek a mile west of Richland and found a still concealed in the barnyard. A space in the feed yard had been fenced off and filled with hay. Beneath the hay was a dugout which was entered by a sliding door on top.
Sheriff Arps dug through the hay and came upon the sliding door. In the dugout he found four large mash barrels, two of which were filled with mash and the still with the necessary kerosene heating equipment. A small quantity of what is alleged to be intoxicating liquor was also found in the dugout. The still was not in operation at the time of the raid.
A complaint was filed against Sturek and he had a hearing before County Judge Fiala.The masquerade ball given at the Farmers' Hall in Leigh was well attended, people being there from far and near. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Harry Geiger secured the first prize, and Mrs. Ernest Deichmann and Miss Marie Motycka the second prize.
Adolph Vasek has been at Albion looking after things on the Joe Vasek farm. Joe Vasek is in Omaha with his daughter, Ruth, who recently submitted to an operation for appendicitis and also a tumor and has been in a precarious condition.
Mrs. Dora Glandt of Leigh was called to Madison by the illness of the little son of Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Henry. The little lad was stricken with a form of paralysis and was taken to Omaha where one of his legs was placed in a cast. Mrs. Henry and the little boy went to Wisner where they will remain with her parents for a time.
November 15, 1923 - reprinted January 31, 1996George Bruhn will again be at the head of the Colfax County Fair Association, being the unanimous choice at the annual meeting of the stockholders. This is a worthy recognition of Mr. Bruhn's untiring efforts to make the fair among the best in the state.
The roster of officers elected for the coming year is as follows: President, George Bruhn; Vice President, R. H. Goodge; Secretary, Gordon McNary; Treasurer J. H. Moeller.
The present members of the board of directors were re-elected and are as follows: A. H. Breunig, Ed. Malena, Henry Dasenbrock, Emil Ahrens, Joe Blecha, Frank Trojan, Thomas Mortimer, Phil Engel, and Alex Rabeler.L. E. Krajicek and family of Bruno motored to Howells and being joined here by Mr. Krajicek's mother, Mrs. Anna Krajicek, proceeded to Lindsay for a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Steve Stanek.
Arthur Wolfe of Schuyler was quite severely injured when a large amount of hay fell upon him resulting in a badly injured back. Mr. Wolfe pulled the trip rope, the large rope broke, the fork and the load of hay falling upon him crushing him to the floor of the barn. It was with considerable difficulty the [sic] he was able to breathe. His absence was noticed, and others about the place fancied that he was under the hay and began efforts to extricate him. While his back was seriously injured, he is expected to recover completely.
Alvin Teply, who is employed as assistant cashier at the McLean bank, was here for a visit with his parents. Alvin came down in his Ford Coupe but was forced to abandon the car on account of the rain and proceeded to McLean by train.
The following are among recent real estate transfers in the different counties of the state. Boone county—-Victor W. Reynolds to William H. Krohn, 160 acres, $18,000; Herbert Peterson to Phoebe Gutru, 160 acres, $33,600; David Parrott to John T. Burn, 120 acres, $18,000; Martin Costello to John N. Bowers, 160 acres, $9,200; Arthur Arbuthnot, Sheriff to I. Sibbersen, 320 acres $27,500; William S. Gibb to Henry Ripp, 160 acres, $24,000; Arthur Arbuthnot, sheriff to Chas. F. Sindelar, 160 acres, $17,800.
Cuming county--Ferdinand Novak to Frank G. Novak, 80 acres, $12,000; Anna K. Dinklage to Henry F. and Gertrude Dinklage, 160 acres. $28,000; Ferdin, Novak, Jr. to Anton A. Novak, 160 acres, $12,000.
Jefferson county--Otto Meirth, Sr. to Carl W. Meirat, 160 acres, $6,000; Otto Meirat, 160 acres, Meirath. Jr. 80 acres, $5,000.
Platte county--E. O. Erickson to R. S Hutchinson, 80 acres, $9,000.
Otoe county--Herman Eisenhauer to William J. McGinley, 160 acres, $25,000.
Valley county—-George S. Round, sheriff, to Rhoda Stack, 160 acres, $13,700.
Colfax county--Jos. Zrust to James Papousek, 40 acres $6,000.
Hitchock county--Louis M. Hotchkin to John M. Solomon 240 acres, $14,000.Mrs. J. R. Vitek and daughter Norma, who have been suffering with ivy poisoning have nearly recovered from the effect. They came in contact with the poisonous weed while gathering berries along the creek.
Miss Blanche Mestl of near Tabor was a guest at the Jos. Indra home. On account of the rainy weather she was unable to return by the same route over which she came down and was obliged to remain over night and take the passenger home the next morning.
Miss Mary Slama, enrolled the Wayne normal, spent the weekend with home folks.
Mr. and Mrs. R. V. Prokop and Edward Wolf motored over from Hubbard and visited here. Mr. Prokop tells us that he is well pleased with his present location and is enjoying a large business at his bank.
Leonard Rozmarin was down from Omaha. Leonard informs us that he has decided to take a business course at the Boyles' college during the mid-winter semester. He enrolled at the same time with his nephew, Louis Simunek, and the boys are making their headquarters after school hours at the Y. M. C. A. building.
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Zak were up from Howells visiting with Jerry's parents. The unexpected rain that night made it impossible for them to return home by car so Jerry got up early in the morning and walked it to Howells to be on his job in time. Mrs. Zak returned home on morning's passenger.
Fayman Motor Co. is building a tile addition in the rear of their garage building to be used exclusively for a battery station.
Alois A. Pimper and Elmer Wragge of Howells were at Omaha from where they drove home a new Overland car, the Champion. This is the very latest model built by the Overland people and rightly deserves the name it carries. It is a car for all classes and possesses features that no other car can boast of today. Since it has been put on the market it became one of the most popular cars in America. Mr. Pimper is now displaying The Champion at his station and will gladly demonstrate it to all who call.
William Risch of Howells subjected himself to hernia while raising a corn crib on his farm northwest of town. Dr. Myers immediately took Mr. Risch to Fremont were he was operated. He is said to be getting along very nicely at this writing.
November 15, 1923 - reprinted February 7, 1996A distinct shock came to our citizens when appraised of the death of Mrs. Frank Dickey, the beloved wife of Howells' Marshal Frank Dickey which occurred on Saturday morning at the St. Catherine hospital at Omaha. At the time Mrs. Dickey left for the hospital no one thought that her illness was of such serious nature and all expected she would return home in a short time.
She underwent an operation for gall appendicitis from which ordeal she was rallying very satisfactorily, but later complications set in and medical science was left powerless in saving her live. [sic] Her husband and children who reside at Omaha, spent nearly all their time with Mrs. Dickey during her stay at the hospital, entertaining the hopes that the day would soon come when she would be able to leave the sick room.
But lo, all efforts that loving hands could bring to her rescue proved futile and the wishes of the ruler above were adhered to. Words fail to bring out the deep sorrow that has been brought upon the family circle through the passing away of the mother.
Mary Polak was born in Bohemia on the seventeenth day of April, 1868, and when in girlhood age came to this country with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Polak, who resided near Schuyler. On April 4th, 1888, she was married to Frank Dickey and for thirty-four years made this community her home. Her death is deeply mourned by her husband and eleven children, namely. Lena, John, Barbara, Joseph, Charlie, Anna, George, Lillie, Peter, Fred and Josie, all of whom are at home with the exception of Lena, Barbara, Anna and Charlie, who live in Omaha. John lives at Snyder. One son died in infancy.
Mrs. Dickey will not only be missed by her immediate family but by every person in this city who was acquainted with her. She was of a most pleasing personality, always having a pleasant smile for everybody no matter what his creed or social standing may have been. The deceased was a member of several fraternal organizations and was also affiliated with the St. John and SS. Peter and Paul's Church.
The funeral was held and the large gathering at the sad rites emphasized the fact that the deceased was held in high esteem by all. Services at the church and at the cemetery were conducted by Rev. J. Pieper.Perhaps no man has even [sic] been taken from our midst whose departure has caused such a deep shadow of gloom to be spread over the city as is the case in the death of Rupert B. Folda, who passed away early on November 14th at the family home, after a lingering illness of over one year. Mr. Folda had always enjoyed good health until July of last year he began to feel signs of illness. Physicians were at once consulted and upon their advice he underwent an operation for cancer of the stomach at the hands of the famous Mayo Bros, specialists at Rochester, Minnesota. Upon his return from the hospital he showed signs of improvement. This was only timely and he was again confined to bed. He suffered terribly as the infliction progressed and there was nothing else to do but to calmly await the final moment.
R. B. Folda was born in Colfax county, March 15, 1870, on a farm in the vicinity of Heun, now owned by Chas. Woracek. He grew to manhood in that community and on November 20th, 1893, was united in marriage to Miss Mary Heun. After his marriage, Mr. Folda took possession of the country store at Heun, which was owned at that time by his wife and her sister, Katie, now Mrs. Katie Hightower of California, who established the store and which was a large trading center in the early days. After operating the store for several years, he disposed of the same to V. Svoboda and moved to Howells which was about twenty years ago. Here he purchased the general merchandise store now owned by James Palik. For a short period he was also engaged in the automobile business which he sold out in a few months and since has lived an easy life.
Mr. Folda was an outstanding figure in this community for many years. He had many strong traits of character among which was the unfailing energy for work and the ambition to succeed. Among these assets was the desire to gain confidence and respect of his fellowmen. In 1915 he was elected to serve as trustee on the village board and this office he held for eight years. As a member of the school board he served this district for over nine years. He was also elected country commissioner, but on account of discord among the county officials and political leaders, he resigned from office after serving only a few months. For a number of years he was also one of the directors of the Colfax County bank. In Mr. Folda's death this community losses one of her foremost citizens, his family a kind and loving husband and father.
The deceased is mourned by his wife, two daughters, Agnes and Viola, and five sons, Kajetan, Norman, Rupert, Martin and Victor. One son, Frank, died at the age of 13 years, thirteen years ago. All are home with the exception of Kajetan, who resides at Schuyler, and Norman, who is employed in Omaha. Other surviving relatives are: a brother, Jos. Folda, of Lewiston, Montana; a sister, Mrs. E. Novotny of Clarkson; step-mother, Mrs. Mary Folda, of Howells; and stepsisters, Mrs. Henry Sanders, of Beemer; Mrs. George Engel, of Valentine; Mrs. J. J. Dvorak, of Clarkson; Mrs. Chris. Sanders of Lindsay; and Mrs. Jos. A. Novak of this place. There is also a host of other relatives.
The funeral will be held from the family home with services at St. John's church, conducted by Rev. J. Drbal. Interment will be made in the Bohemian Catholic cemetery north of town.
November 15, 1923 - reprinted February 14, 1996The tiger that has been annoying residents around Battle Creek, Albion, Newman Grove and also at Howells must have decided to move northward, for it is reported that it has been seen several times in the Devil's Nest country northwest of Bloomfield, Nebraska. A rancher who lives in that vicinity avers that he has seen the beast several times and on the last occasion saw it kill and carry away a half grown steer.
Other people have seen the tiger, according to reports, and one man declares it must have hunted up a mate for he saw two of the beasts together. Local people are skeptical, and some aver that citizens of that section are drinking a new brand, which accounts for the reports. A number of Bloomfield nimrods are organizing a hunting party and declare they are going to bring home the animal or animals, as the case may be, and thus settle the minds and relieve the nerves of the citizens."Turn about is fair play," believes on[e] Saunders county woman, whose name could not be learned today.
According to the rumor the Saunders county farm was visited by chicken thieves recently, the robbers taking all the fowls she owned. But, in so doing, they dropped a wallet containing $700.00 which was far more than the value of the chickens they took.
So the Saunders county resident called it a sale.
A short time later a truck drew up in front of her house and a party of men entered to borrow a piece of wire, claiming their vehicle was broken. While she was conversing with them, she noticed one of them searching the ground around the residence and chicken coop.
This caused her to believe that they were the owners of the wallet found, but, if so, they had failed to return the chickens to cancel the "sale" so she decided to remain "mum." She is still in possession of the money with which she can again restock her chicken coop very nicely.Mrs. Anna Brazda of Howells, who has been making her home with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Uher, north of Howells, has purchased the James Tichota residence property in the same block just west of Walker Sisters and intends to move to Howells. Up to a few months ago this property was owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Jan Hamsa.
The eight-year-old daughter of Frank Podliska of Howells became very ill after taking a strong dose of medicine which has been used by another member of the family. Dr. Hebenstreit was immediately summoned and after working on the child he succeeded in getting it out of danger.
November 22, 1923 - reprinted February 14, 1996Three fractured ribs and other internal injury is the result of an automobile accident which befell Miss Mary Jirsak, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Jirsak, living northwest of Clarkson. when she collided with an almost new Ford Coupe driven by William Schulz of this city. The accident occurred on the main highway leading west of town a short distance from the Wencil Malena farm.
Mr. Schulz was driving west and after passing the three mile crossing adjoining C. O. Brown's farm, he observed an automobile coming towards him from the opposite direction. He stuck to the right-hand side of the highway and as he neared the approaching car the driver gave no heed to his signaling and kept on going directly towards his car.
Thinking that the driver would turn to the proper side of the road when he would get closer, William claims to have slowed down and turned his Ford to the very edge of the road. It is said that Miss Jirsak was adjusting the rod leading to the carburetor and did not notice Mr. Schulz's car. Her car struck the Coupe and sent it into the ditch where the vehicle turned over. The young lady due to the compact was thrown from her seat into the road where she laid for a moment in a semi-conscious condition.
Extricating himself from his trap, Mr. Schulz hurried to aid the girl whom he then escorted to the Malena home where she was given first aid. She was then taken to her home and after an examination by Dr. Lowery of Leigh it was found that she suffered the fracture of three ribs and other injury.
William was lucky to have escaped unharmed, notwithstanding that his Coupe which he purchased only a short time ago discloses considerable damage. The young lady drove an old Ford touring car belonging to her father which showed a broken front wheel and axle, a slightly smashed fender and other minor damage. The damage done to Mr. Schulz's car was settled by the girl's lather. After the settlement William traded the car with the Fajman-Vacin Auto Co. for a brand new Ford Coupe.Miss Irene Marie Coufal and August R. Hetmanek were quietly united in marriage by Father Joseph Vitko. Mr. and Mrs. Hetmanek have gone to housekeeping in the Fred Loptein residence in Schuyler. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Coufal of Schuyler. The groom is one of our very best young men. He came to Schuyler six years ago from Dodge to accept the position as bookkeeper at the Banking House of F. Folda.
Special services will be held at the Presbyterian Church at Clarkson for the purpose of dedicating the new bell donated by Miss Julia Holan and Mrs. Anna Sixta. It is a large bell and bears the names of the donors engraved in the massive brass walls.
November 22, 1923 - reprinted February 21, 1996The soldiers' monument purchased some three years ago arrived Saturday from the Barre quarry in Vermont and arrangements are now under way for its erection in the semi-circular space in front of the new courthouse in Schuyler. The monument is in three pieces and weighs 35,000 pounds. It was purchased for $5200.00 which is now considered a very low price as the company furnishing it contend that they lost between $2,000 and $3,000 in their transaction. The people of Colfax county consequently have a very fine monument at a very low price.
The homeguard picnic given a few years ago netted between $1400 and $1500 with [sic] was given the monument fund. The remainder of the money was taken by vote of those interested from the united war fund. The money has been put at interest awaiting the arrival of the monument and this has added another $1,000 to the fund.
The monument has a large base and a tall shaft. There are inscribed on it the names of all those in Colfax county who were in the service during the world war. It is of gray Barre granite and is a wonderful piece of work. On the top is a bronze statue entitled, "Over the Top." The monument is a county monument and is one that means much to every citizen of Colfax county by virtue of all that it signifies and means to all patriotic citizens.Friday was the day set for the trial of the liquor cases growing out of the arrests made following the raid made by Sheriff Arps and special deputies. The following men were charged with the illegal possession of intoxicating liquor: A. F. Rominger, Vaclav Prokupek, Charles Rector, Geo. W. Dowells, James Krivohlavek, and John Nechvatal. All pleaded guilty to the charge in Justice Wells' court. The greater part of the day was taken with the evidence in the cases. Mr. Nechvatal requested that his case be argued at once and the arguments of counsel were taken before the court. The court ruled that Mr. Nechvatal was guilty of the charge and was fined one hundred dollars and costs, amounting to $114.10. Mr. Nechvatal has appealed his case to the district court. His bond was fixed at $200. The arguments in all the other cases have not been made and the court will not rule on the cases until the arguments of counsel are heard.
Arguments of counsel in all of the other cases were waived and the finding of the court was that each and every defendant was guilty as charged. All of the cases will be appealed to the district court according to the latest reports of the intentions of the different defendants.W. C. Hoover of near Fremont lays claim to the championship of the state as a cornhusker and says he will back this with a $5,000 purse to meet any rival. Hoover says he has many records. His best one is 209 bushels in 9 hours and 46 minutes. Hoover says he will get backing for any amount, if aspiring huskers for honors in the great outdoor autumnal game will come forth with a challenge.
SPECIALS FRED COLSCH
Fancy Red Onions, per lb: .7
Fancy Figs, 8 oz. pkg: .10
C. & H. Powdered Sugar, lb: .13
Fancy Dates, 10 oz per pke: .15
Fancy Roast, Peanuts, per lb: .15
Strained Honey, per lb: .20
Fancy Soft Shell Walnuts, lb: .30
Wilson's Tall Milk, 3 Cans: .33
Perfection Oil, 5 Gallons: .33
Perfection Oil, 5 Gallons: .70
5 Gallons Gasoline: .80
Fancy 5 Sewed Brooms, each: .80
One Gallon Enarco Mot. Oil: $1.00
Mica Axle Grease, 25 lbs. for 2.25
FRED CLOSCH, CLARKSONThe Press is informed that the managers of the Farmers' hall, southwest of Clarkson, have started action in the county court at Schuyler against Harry Moran, Gen Burgess and Harry Jensen of Creston, charged with the theft of various parts from automobiles left standing near the hall during the mask ball. The defendants are also alleged to have damaged some of the cars. A complaint was swore out by the directors of the hall and the men will be tried before the judge.
Fajman-Vacin Auto Co. reports the sale of new Ford Coupes to Frank Odstricil of Howells and Will Schulz of Clarkson. They also sold the following used cars: Ford touring, Lada Hanel, Clarkson. Scripps-Booth, Ralph Groninger, Clarkson. Buick touring, Albin Vraspir, Clarkson.
The firm received a new Auto Hone of the vary [sic] latest type and a Hampy-Kooper re-babbiting machine, both of which are now being used in their repair department.The eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pacas, living south of Clarkson, had the misfortune of hurting his left hand in a corncutting machine. The young man was engaged in cutting fodder and in some manner had his hand drawn into the machine with the stalks. Had he not jerked it out as quickly as he did the mishap would have cost him his hand. In spite of having the hand badly mangled there is no danger of losing the member.
Announcement of the wedding of Leo Kamensky, now of Leigh, and Miss Bertha Strudl of Schuyler, reached here. The marriage was performed at the Bohemian Catholic Church at Schuyler by the resident pastor, Father Vitko, in the presence of the groom's niece, Miss Hilda Cinfel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Cinfel of near Clarkson, and Joseph Strudl, brother of the bride. It was a simple affair. The bridegroom, who was born and raised in Clarkson, is the youngest son of Mrs. Anna Kamensky who is spending the past several months at Leigh. Leo is an excellent young man and for some time is in the jewelry business at Leigh. The young lady whose hand he has won is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Strudl, of Schuyler, who formerly lived in the Tabor vicinity. Mr. Kamensky and his bride left immediately after the wedding ceremony for a brief wedding trip and will be at their home in Leigh in a few days.
November 22, 1923 - reprinted February 28, 1996Miss Blanche Renter, who was a guest at the Jos. Novotny home for several days, left for Howells where she will visit with relatives before proceeding to her home at Omaha.
V. A. Chleboun, Jos. Walla, Jos. Karasek, Jaroslav Holas, Bohumil Jurik were in Omaha taking in the sights.
Rudolph Janak of Brainard was a guest at the Sobeslavsky home.
Miss Marie Vlach returned from Ravenna where she has been employed as a trimmer. She will remain visiting at home for a month and will then go to Omaha where she will spend some time in a millinery house before taking up a position for the spring season.
The laying of a cement sewer on the north side of the lot purchased recently by Frank Vnuk of Dodge adjoining the Noh hotel, marked the first step towards the erection of the new filling station which is to occupy the site. As soon as this is completed material will be hauled in and the work will be pushed forth without delay.
Gather round, ye cornhuskers, listen to this and then endeavor to duplicate it. Roland C. Meyer, who husks corn for Frank Middaugh, a farmer west of Fremont, believes that he has no equal in corn picking. In previous years when he worked for Mr. Middaugh he has made good records but this year he decided to show the boys a thing or two about the great Nebraska outdoor autumn sport.
It happened that the corn this year was not any too good so Meyer decided that he would work a little harder and make a good record despite the condition of the product. He carried out his determination and picked what he claims to be the record not only in Dodge county and vicinity, but in all Nebraska if not the world.
In one week he picked just 1,005 bushels of corn, or an average of 167 1/2 bushels a day. This was averaged in six days, the Time taken for the work.
Last Saturday he concluded his week's run. After having made a high average for the week he was not satisfied and went into the field and picked 100 bushels before eleven o'clock in the morning. This is considered a good day's work for most men.
The loads of corn were all delivered at the crib where elevators were used to unload them. The record was made in corn yielding less than forty bushels to the acre. It was measured by allowing seventy-five pounds to the bushel.
Mr. Middaugh vouches for the record made by Meyers and issues a challenge to any other cornhusker in the state to duplicate it. He believes that he has on his farm the champion corn picker and so places this record before the public to prove his assertion.Jerry Telecky of Howells and his father, Frank Telecky, were passengers to Omaha where Jerry has gone to buy a couple carloads of feeders. His father merely accompanied him to look over the old stamping grounds where he has in the many past years shipped a good many head of finished livestock.
The funeral of the late R. B. Folda was held from the family home to the St. John Church in Howells were Rev. Jos. Drbal delivered a most impressing sermon in the Fnglish language. His eulogy went deep into every heart where it will be imbedded for years to come. After the sad rites at the church, the funeral procession wended its way to the cemetery north of town where the remains were laid to peaceful rest. The gathering at the funeral was large and was comprised of relatives and friends from far and near who came to pay homage to the memory of one whom they loved.
Louis Schlautman died at the West Point hospital following an illness of several months. The young man was sixteen years of age and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Schlautman of Howells. He has been suffering with what medical science terms as "sarcoma," sort of a cancer which developed through the circulation of blood. Recently he returned from Rochester, Minnesota, where he consulted the famous Mayo specialists. The funeral was held at St. Henry, the services having been conducted by Rev. Bruckner.
Being the twentieth birthday anniversary of Miss Edna Cada, her cousin, Miss Stella Sindelar cleverly planned a surprise for her by inviting a few friends to her home in the nature of a birthday party. A fine cake with twenty lighted candles was a conspicuous adornment of the table. Miss Edna received a number of beautiful gifts as tokens of good wishes. The guests were: Misses Elsie Faltys, Vlasta Novotny, Mildred Cada, Lauretta Faltys, Stazie Jura, Edna Cada, Stella Sindelar, Messrs. Frank Cada, Bohous Sindelar, Robert Faltys, Bohous Cada, Stanley Novotny, Miloslav Sindelar, Stanley Cada, Jospeh [sic] Novotny, Edwin Cada, Joseph Sindelar. Others in attendance were: Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Basta, Mr. and Mrs. Rudolf Cada and family. Grandmother and Grandfather Sindelar, Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Sindelar and family, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Faltys and daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Louis Cada and family and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sindelar.
November 29, 1923 - reprinted March 20, 1996A subterranean saloon, equipped for the accommodation of customers, except for the absence of the old time bar, was found by two state agents and Traffic Officer Weygint during a raid on a Kosiba farm near Columbus. As a result of the raid Kosiba, 38, his son, and more than 20 gallons of moonshine are in custody of the city hall awaiting the filing of complaints by the county attorney. Entrance to Kosiba's underground emporium was uncovered by Officer Weygint beneath a pile of old machinery near a cluster of trees about 60 yards from the house. Raising the trap door, the officers descended a short flight of steps and found themselves in a cave 12 by 15 feet in dimensions. A table and several chairs, a slate and pencil, and an oil burner which had apparently done service in connection with a still, constituted the furnishings. Following some wheel tracks from the cave entrance a distance of about 100 yards across the barnyard, the officers found a 20-gallon still full of moonshine and a supply of home made beer secreted beneath a big steel water tank.
Just as the officers arrived at his place, Kosiba drove in from a trip to Columbus. In his car the officers found seven one-gallon jugs empty. The odor emanating from them led to the conclusion that they had recently contained some of the same stuff that was found in the keg.
When the officers entered the house Kosiba broke a bottle of alleged liquor. It was because of that act that they brought him into Columbus, when they arrested his father. Scores of empty beer bottles and jugs were found about the place, but the officers failed to locate a still. This is Kosiba's fourth arrest on liquor charges within the last two years. He has been arrested in turn by state men, Columbus police, Col-state men and the police co-operating.The farm house on the John Hakl farm about four miles northeast of Stanton, which was occupied by Mr. and Mrs. George Strmisky and children, was burned to the ground. The origin of the fire is unknown to the Strmiskys who were fortunate in escaping with their lives for the flames had literally surrounded them before they awakened. Mr. Strmisky had trouble in awakening the seven children in time to rescue them. We understand that two of the younger children were slightly injured from smoke. The household goods and all the clothing of the Strmisky's were lost with the exception of their night apparel. In fact the house and everything in it was burned to the ground.
November 29, 1923 - Reprinted March 27, 1996This week, Zelenda Bros. moved their auto repairing equipment from the Modrow garage into the building on main street recently vacated by Bukacek-Zrust Co. The boys will occupy both buildings, the north section will be used for displaying accessories and repairing, while the south half will be used for storage of cars. Recently, Zelenda Bros. purchased several new machines for their repair room and with their former equipment they are well prepared to do first-class work in this line.
J. L. Stransky and J. F. Jirovec, the latter being accompanied by his wife and son, Lambert, were at Omaha where they attended the band concert given by the famous Sousa band. Mr. Jirovec had been in the city a few days attending to business matters and he made arrangements with Mr. Stransky to bring the former's family to Omaha in the Jirovec car. They left here early and when near Rogers the car went partly out of commission, however, they managed to reach Fremont in time to catch the train for Omaha. The car was left at Fremont for repairs and the party returned home by train. In spite of their mishap, the concert was greatly enjoyed.
On Tuesday, November 27, the Zion church southeast of Clarkson was the scene of a pretty Thanksgiving wedding, the principle characters being Bohuslav J. Novotny and Miss Ione Julia Tolecky. Although simple, the affair carried with it all the fascination usually witnessed at functions of this nature.
The bridal pair was escorted to the church by Miss Ruth Novotny, sister of the bridegroom, and Jerry Makovsky, nephew of the becoming bride, who stood up for them during the recital of the solemn ceremony which was performed by Rev. Jos. Havlik. Only a few of the most immediate relatives witnessed the marriage. Both groom and bride hail from pioneer Colfax county families, having been born and reared in the Clarkson-Howells vicinity.
Bohuslav is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Anton P. Novotny, residing southeast of Clarkson, and is one of the popular young men of this neighborhood. He is a graduate of the Clarkson High school and besides having a university training, possesses a wide knowledge of the responsibility awaiting him on his new journey through life.
His worthy companion is a daughter of Frank Telecky, also one of the early day and respectable settlers of this part of the county, at present making his home in Howells. She boasts of a good school training and from the practical experience she has had in keeping house will make a trustworthy mate.
A wedding reception was held in honor of the newly weds at the home of the bride's father in Howells following the church services after which Mr. and Mrs. Novotny left for a brief wedding trip. They expect to spend a few days with relatives in the vicinity of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and other nearby points. Upon their return they will take possession of the groom's farm in the southeast part of Adams precinct. May all the anticipated blessings of a happy union be conferred upon them.Judging by the number of gas pumps on the main street of Clarkson, the strangers coming to town are apt to be lead to the belief that this is an oil town. We have had up to this time three gasoline pumps on the sidewalk curb line and this week two more are being added. One of these is now in course of installation in from of the Vitek hardware store and the other is being put up in front of the Zelenda garage. In addition to the numerous gas pumps, a filling station is now under construction north of the hotel. Besides the [sic] V. L. Prazak is looking for a suitable location for the erection of his supply station. In view of all this business must be booming in the oil and gasoline line as we now will have eight or nine different places dispensing gasoline. We also have two distributing stations in Clarkson and four auto trucks doing a wholesale business.
James Jirovec made a trip to Scribner. On his return home, his car broke down and he was obliged to leave it at Dodge and proceed home by train.
Another new home is to be added to the residential district of Clarkson. Jos. Juva has completed laying a foundation for a new house on the lot her [sic] purchased some time ago from Odvarka Bros. in the Roubinek addition. The dimensions of the structure will be 28x28x12. When finished, Mr and Mrs. Juva will move to Clarkson from their Wilson precinct farm which is to be turned over to their son, Frank.
Eight carloads of hogs have been shipped from this point through the Farmers' Shipping association the past two weeks. Indications are that the livestock shipments will commence to multiply in the next few weeks when the rush with corn picking will be over. Following is a list of the vary [sic] latest shippers: Rayman and Nadrchal, carload of hogs; Jos. Zrust and Jos. Dvoracek, carload of hogs; Frank Jirsak and Emil J. Novotny, carload of hogs; L. Kudrna and Rudolph Molacek, carload of hogs; Emil Blecha, carload of hogs; Frank F. Zrust and Emil Trojan, carload of hogs; James Klimes, carload of hogs. One car was made up of individual loads.
Albert Svoboda was at Neligh where he purchased a large Cadillac sedan from Mrs. E. R. Dudek, the pleasure of which he is enjoying these frosty days.
The Press force feasted on a fine juicy Californai musk melon thanks to the generosity of Frank Chleboun. Frank has been remembered by an old friend of his living in the Golden state with a good-sized crate of the fleshy fruit and passed one around. 'Twas kind of him to remember the poor printers.
November 29, 1923 - reprinted April 3, 1996The names of Bohuslav Novotny, 28, of Clarkson, and Miss Ione Julie Telecky, 22, of Howells, were posted in the office of Co. Judge Adolph Fiala as applicants for a marriage license.
The sale of the Brown farm north of Schuyler sold at referee's sale came up for confirmation before Judge Lightner. Mrs. Jennie Rutledge, one of the defendant heirs, filed objection to the confirmation of the sale on the grounds that the sum of $140 per acre was not a fair price. Arrangements were made to take the testimony in support of the objections and the matter was all ready for the hearing. Mrs. Rutledge then came before the court by her attorney, R. B. Hasselquist of Omaha, and offered to purchase the 160 acre tract for the price of $145. The offer was practically accepted and the case will be dismissed as soon as a deed is given.
Herman, the six-year-old of Ben Steffensmier has been seriously ill with an attack of scarlet fever. Dr. Hebenstriet is making daily calls at the home and we are told that the patient is showing signs of steady improvement. A trained nurse is also taking care of the little fellow.
Chester D. Fletcher and mother arrived in Schuyler from Oklahoma making the trip by motor. They had some unusual experiences while making the trip. When they left Lawton, that section was well recovering from the recent floods. When a short distance from that city, the car broke through the crust of beaten soil, dropping in soft mud, throwing Mrs. Fletcher against the windshield with sufficient force to break the glass and bruise her quite badly. Mr. Fletcher received a broken bone in the forearm. Assistance soon arrived and the car was gotten out, and Mr. Fletcher made the trip, driving with one hand most of the time.
Because of wrecked bridges, he was forced to cross a river on a railroad bridge, taking the bumps of the ties, with but one hand to hold the steering wheel of the car. Following his arrival here he was almost exhausted and remained at the home of his brother, W. Hugh for several days.
He is assisting Glenn Beatty with his bridge work, taking the place of Mr. Phillips, foreman, who was injured. Mr. Fletcher and mother expect to spend the winter here.CZECHS IN AMERICA
Their Greatest Center is Chicago
The first known Czech (Bohemian) immigrant in America was Augustine Herrman, who came to New York in 1633. He was an enterprising merchant, who in course of time became a government counselor. Afterward he became the owner of a large tract of land called Bohemia Manor. Somewhat later Frederick Philipse came from Bohemia and became one of the wealthiest men of his day in the American colonies. One of his descendants, pretty Mary Philipse, was courted by George Washington.
These and other illustrious pioneers have been followed by large numbers of Czech immigrants, particularly in the last sixty years. The United States government immigration statistics show that only l 1/2 percent of the immigrants from the so called "Crown Lands of Bohemia" (Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia) cannot read or write. This is a considerably better record than that of many other nationalities. It is therefore a gross error to confuse them with gypsies or unconventional artists. There is absolutely no connection between these and the Czechoslovaks.
Czechoslovakia consists of the crown lands of Bohemia, Slovakia and Ruthenia, formerly parts of Austria-Hungary. It has 54,264 square miles of territory or about the size of Wisconsin, and a population of 14,000,000, the eighth largest in Europe, and exceeding that of such countries as Sweden, Norway, Holland, Belgium, Portugal, Austria-Hungary, Denmark and Switzerland. Czechoslovakia is the only state in central or eastern Europe whose government, industries, foreign trade, budget and currency have become stabilized.
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Trustworthy figures show that there are approximately 1,350,000 Czechoslovaks in the United States. Many of those appearing in the 1920 census as immigrants from Austria and Hungary are in reality Czechoslovaks.
Czechoslovaks are principally located in the following states: Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Nebraska, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Maryland, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Michigan, Texas, Iowa, the Dakotas, Missouri and Connecticut. The largest communities are in the following communities: Chicago, New York, Cleveland, Cedar Rapids, St. Louis, Baltimore, Milwaukee, Omaha, St. Paul, Boston, and Detroit.
They are an intelligent and healthy race, have fair-sized families and own comfortable and nicely furnished homes. They are respected citizens who take interest in all phases of American life, and of the few that have returned to the mother country nearly all have come back because they are accustomed to the American mode of living and have here their children and other relatives. Many of the sons become merchants, manufacturers, professors, teachers, engineers, architects, builders, druggists and follow other professions and lucrative vocations; a very large percentage own automobiles.
About 20 percent of Czechoslovak-Americans are engaged in agricultural pursuits, the rest being mostly skilled workmen, merchants, manufacturers and professional men.
While there are many towns, cities and counties in the above mentioned states where they predominate, electing public officials from their own ranks, their most numerous as well as most prosperous and most highly intellectual center is in Chicago, where 300,000 reside.
V. A. Geringer
November 29, 1923 - reprinted May 1, 1996J. R. Kosta of The Howells State bank force motored over to Norfolk where he met his wife and three daughters who accompanied him to Howells and will make their future home here. The family has rented the C. W. Konvalin residence property just north of the Bohemain [sic] National hall recently vacated by the E. E. Kolash family.
Attorney Otto Zacek of West Point, a former Howells boy, was in Howells in company of his family visiting at the home of his sister, Mrs. Jos. Broz, and her family.
Mestl Bros., Howells, had a quarter page ad in The Press advertising a Four Touring 5 passenger Nash automobile for $935 f.o.b. Factory. Five disc wheels and Nash Self-Mounting Carrier, $25 additional.
...We clip the following item from the Fremont Tribune: "William Ross, who alleges that his home is at O'Neill, was fined $50 and costs before County Judge Dewarld at West Point. He admitted to the theft of a set of harness from the farm of Henry Stratman. Mr. Ross had been employed as a corn picker on the Stratman place for the past week. Early in the morning he was heard driving away from the farm in his car. It was only a little after midnight and the suspicions of Mr. Stratman were aroused. Stratman and Frank Shragge, who happened to be with him at the time, started out in pursuit. After a short chase, Ross was overtaken when his car developed engine trouble, and he was overpowered. Ross admitted that he was trying to steal the harness. A call was put in for Sheriff Sexton, who with Police Chief Krienke responded to the call and brought the alleged harness thief into town where he was lodged in the county jail until his case was called."