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:
August 7, 1924 - reprinted March 11, 1998Word has passed Leigh that a Ford roadster belonging to Tom Divoky had been stolen. The owner noticed someone start off with the car, but was unable to stop the "thief". The marshals in the towns around Leigh were notified at once to be on the lookout for the man and the car. However, in the next half hour the car was returned.
It so happened that a young man living east of Leigh, who has a car just like it, took it by mistake. He noticed on the way home that the car did not operate just like his and finally stopped the car and looked at the number. He then discovered his mistake and hurried back to town with it.Everyone in the Macedonia district has finished cutting grain and Ed Shuster has already commenced threshing for himself on the Bogner-Baumert farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Emil Trojan are the proud and happy parents of a baby boy.
Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Noh are in the receipt of the announcement from Long Beach, California, informing them that Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Noh were presented with a newly born baby boy.
Mr. and Mrs. Vaclav Telecky and Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Hradek returned to their home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after spending two weeks with the Frank Teply family. They were accompanied on their return trip by Alvin Teply who is taking a brief vacation, being relieved from his bank duties at McLean for two weeks.
While here, Mr. Telecky rented his farm southeast of town to James Nadrchal who has been a tenant on the place for the past twelve yearsJohn Schaffer and Anton Odvarka, Jr. and their families returned from a three-week sojourn in the Black Hills and Yellowstone Park. In spite of the bad roads we found in many sections, the trip was well enjoyed.
When we catch up with our regular routine of work, we will briefly describe the entire trip, which in all, covered nearly 2700 miles.Mrs. Frantiska Totusek, an early settler of Adams precinct, passed the great divide and took her place among those who have proceeded us on the eternal journey from which no traveler is known to have ever returned. Mrs. Totusek has suffered with different ailments for sometime but was able to be up and around at periodical intervals.
Her ailment gradually grew worse as the days passed until finally it developed into typhoid fever. She made an old stand against the enemy but was unable to continue the struggle and surrendered to the wish of the Almighty.
Mrs. Totusek was born in Moravia. Attaining woman hood, she became the wife of Frank Totusek and the couple after a short residence in the old country made up their mind to join the immigration tide and move to America. They came directly to Colfax County and located on a farm in Adams precinct in the vicinity of the Zion church. Here they lived through the privations and hardships of pioneer days until finally prosperity smiled upon them and they were allowed to spend their sunset days of their lives in ease.
They left the farm about nineteen years ago and moved o Clarkson, making their home here since. Throughout all the years they spent in Clarkson they lived in the extreme east part of town. Mrs. Totusek was a woman of a kindly nature and was a devout member of the Presbyterian Church.
Besides the husband, she is survived by one brother, Frank Jilek, living southeast of Clarkson, there being no children born to the union.
Burial was in the Zion Cemetery southeast of Clarkson. Services were conducted by Rev. B. A. Filipi and Rev. Jos. Havlik at both the New Zion and Zion churches. The Ladies Aid Society, "Martha" of the local Zion church, escorted the funeral cortege through town.The teachers for the new year in Clarkson are as follows: C.S. Jones, Clarkson superintendent, normal training; Miss Goldie Johnson, Walthill, principal, science; Miss Louise Phelps, Schuyler, Latin; C.C. Weinerth, Geneva, English, athletics; Miss Helen Glover, Ord, mathematics; Miss Bertha Reinke, South Bend, history.
Grades: Miss Josephine Fillipi, Clarkson, eighth; Miss Audrey Potts, Cushing, seventh grade; Miss Nell G. Boyd, Du Bois, sixth grade; Miss Martha Bukacek, Clarkson, fifth grade; Miss Elizabeth Prawitz, Pilger, third and fourth grades; Miss Frieda Prawitz, Pilger second and third grades; Mrs. C.S Jones, Clarkson, first grade; Mrs. HC Reinecke, Clarkson, kindergarten.The residence property belonging to the Joseph and Anna Srb estate was sold in administrators' sale to Jos. Richtig for the sum of $3450. The property is located one block from the main street and consists of a four-room house and two lots.
We published the obituary of Jos. B. Svoboda, one of the eldest pioneers of this vicinity, and it falls to our lot to chronicle the death of the gentleman's wife, Mrs. Marie Svoboda, who passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John B. Dostal.
The decreased, like all of the early settlers contended with many hardships, but through earnest and untiring toil this was overcome in time and the family was then able to enjoy the fruits of their efforts.
She was born in Bohemia on May 13, 1841, being 83 years, two months and 22 days old at the time of her death. Mr. and Mrs.Svoboda first located on a homestead near the Tabor church. On this place they resided for many years and then moved to Howells to spend their declining years.
The advanced age was bearing on this respectable couple and they found it necessary to give up their own home and lived with their children. On July 14, 1923, Mr. Svoboda was called by the Grim Reaper and now his life mate has been laid to his side.
The deceased is survived by two sons, John W. Svoboda, banker at Lindsay, and Frank J. Svoboda, banker at Abie; two daughters, Mrs. John Stracek and Mrs. John B.Dostal, One son, J.L. Svoboda, former postmaster at this place, and one daughter, Mrs. Mary Budin, preceded their parents in death.
The funeral was held from the Dostal home and internment was made in Tabor Cemetery.
August 7, 1924 - reprinted March 18, 1998Miss Mary Bukacek of Clarkson purchased the Maude Nickless millinery store, and is now in possession of the business. Miss Bukacek has been in this line for the pas 18 years at Omaha and Clarkson. Miss Bukacek leaves for the markets in Kansas City and Chicago and expects to be absent about two weeks.
The Hans Gerthe farm of 207 acres was sold by Deputy Sheriff W.A. Johnson at auction at a foreclosure sale at the Dodge County Court House to Mrs. S.S. Sidner of Fremont for the sum of $23, 350. The farm lies about a half a mile west of Ames. The sale price averages about $112.80 an acre, which is deemed quite reasonable for the Ames property.
Frank Jedlicka, residing about nine miles north of Schuyler, narrowly escaped serious injuries when he was kicked by a horse, the force of the blow-striking about his left ear. Accidents from this source appear to be unusually numerous this year, several residents have been more or less injured, and several have received broken arms.
Word was received by relatives that Mrs. Anton Kunhart and her daughter, Miss Vlasta, and Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Brunswick of Leigh are expected home from heir trip. They have spent several weeks in the vicinity of Lewistown, Montana, and on their return also visited Yellowstone Park.
That real estate prices are coming back to normalcy is indicated by the many sales throughout the country. J.A. Drahota sold the former Jos. Vavra, 160 acre farm, southwest of town, to Frank Pojar for the consideration of $160.00 an acre. Mr. Drahota purchased the place only a few days ago from Mr. Vavra.
James Fiala, one of the trustworthy employees at the Colfax County Bank, is having his annual vacation which he expects to spend motoring throughout the country.
Mrs. Mary Karel has been confined to her bed and is having the attention of Dr. Vosika.
Louis Kovar and family of Waterloo, Iowa, motored over to Howells for a visit at the F.C. Hrabak home and with other relatives. From here they went over to Ewing for a visit with Mrs. Kovar's parents.
Dr. W.J. Kavan left by train for Yuma, Colorado, to look after his land holdings near that place. H expects to be home soon.
Mrs. F.W. Noh and children, Elinor, Gilbert and Vivian, and Mrs. Holan motored to Uehling where Miss Elinor boarded a train for Sioux City for a few days' visit with the Swanson family, namely, her sister-in-law, Mrs. Jos. Noh, who is still in Sioux City and who will soon be leaving for her home in he east.
Nathan A. Moore, will leave for Omaha from where in company with his friend, Casper Seghers, dress goods buyer for a large wholesale firm in that city. They will leave for New York City on a buying and pleasure trip.
Edward Cernin of Millard, Nebraska, spent a few hours in Clarkson.
The eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Gus Mohnsen, living northwest of Clarkson, sustained a bad cut on one of his feet caused by a sharp hoe. The young man was working in the field and had lost a considerable amount of blood before the wound could be attended to.
F.J. Rychtig was at Bruno closing the sale of the 120-acre farm he owned in that vicinity for some time. The farm was sold to Edward Pelan at $155.00 an acre.
Mrs. J.R. Kosta returned from a trip to Fairfax, South Dakota, where she attended the funeral of a relative.
West Point was given considerable adverse publicity through the daily papers of Omaha, Fremont and Norfolk because of the injuries inflicted by two boys upon two younger playmates in this city.
Three boys, whose ages range from seven to nine years, were playing with two others, who are ten and thirteen years of age at the oldest boy's home. After playing for a while the three wanted to go away, but the other two wanted them to stay. This led to unpleasant words and the two laid hold on two of the others dragged them back. The smallest boy slipped away.
The two who were caught were pulled into the barn and were tied with ropes, hands and feet. In the yard they had a fire, the oldest boy being a Boy Scout and having learned to build a fire and heat water. They took some warm water (not boiling water as the Bee stated) and poured it down the necks of the two who were tied.
The frantic screams of the victims attracted neighbors to the scene, when the torture was stopped. Besides the injuries, the boys suffered a severe nervous shock. One of them was very pale when rescued. Had there been no one to rescue them, we can only guess what might have been the outcome from the serious situation with fire outside the barn and the boys within.
A better future lies before these two boys. This boyish prank, which they carried too far, serves as a lesson to check them through life. The rights of others must restrain them from taking undue liberties. They have been admonished by their parents, and this course of parental training, together with willing obedience, will inevitably lead to useful and exemplary careers.Eighty acres of Dodge County land sold for fifteen thousand dollars, or at an average of $187.50 an acre at a sheriff's sale, The land was that of William Ferguson near Webster and was sold to Clarence Wallace of Wisner and Henry Heyne by Deputy Sheriff W.A. Johnson. There were several bidders. The price is considered fair for the land.
August 7, 1924 - reprinted March 25, 1998A penetrating shock was felt by the rank and file of the Clarkson residents when the distressing missive was passed that our esteemed citizen Frank J. Novotny, known as one of the very earliest settlers of Adams precinct, is no more among the living, having suffered a stroke of apoplexy which instantly ended his fruitful life.
Mr. Novotny had just returned to his beautiful home in the west part of town after attending the funeral of his former neighbor, Mrs. Frank Totusek, when suddenly his heart stopped functioning and he dropped dead. Dr. Kavan was summoned to give aid but there was nothing he could do but substantiate death.
Mr. Novotny did not regain consciousness after the attack and transpired within an hour or so after collapse.
His passing records the loss of one of the real old-timers of this community, the Novotny family having been one of the first to locate in southeast Adams precinct when the country was in its infancy and abounded in wilderness.
The deceased was born in Bohemia October 10, 1948, and came to this country with his parents when but a small boy in 1855. Informed of the many possibilities offered by the West, the family upon reaching the American shores came as far as Iowa where they located in the vicinity of Cedar Rapids which was but a small trading post.
They lived in Iowa until after the Civil War and in 1869 the deceased and his elder brother, John, came to Nebraska and selected a homestead on the beautiful Maple Creek Valley in Colfax County, in the southeast part of Adams precinct. They broke up the virgin prairie here and the following year returned to their home in Iowa with the intention of coming back with the other members of the family in the spring. Their plans worked out successfully and the family arrived in Colfax County in 1870.
Here all the hardships and privations of pioneer life were endured with undauntable fortitude. As the years passed by the sunburnt prairie slowly was transformed into fertile fields and the country where the coyote once was master in due time bore out beautiful farm homes and too on a different aspect. There were times when the hardships of early days seemed unbearable but continued resistance and self-denial proved victorious factors in the uneven struggle for existence.
During the years we have known Mr. Novotny he has related to us many thrilling adventures of the frontier days which would be sufficient to fill a good-sized book. A large number of Indians camps dotted the surrounding neighborhood at the time of the family's arrival here, however, the Red men have never caused them any trouble and have always conducted themselves friendly. One of the greatest handicaps they were forced to contend with was the food proposition. Schuyler, which was then but a small village, was their nearest trading point and as there were no automobiles, not even teams, in those days they were forced to make many a trip on foot to Schuyler for their provisions. Several trips were also made on foot to Columbus for flour and other needs.
The deceased was one of the army of brave pioneers that came to this country with bare hands and through his faithful and exemplary efforts has set up an imperishable monument which will always stand as a beacon to those who tread in his path. It remains our duty to honor and respect the sturdy pioneers of this country, the best being more too good for them.
Mr. Novotny was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Cada with whom he had lived in happiness and contentment until the ill-fated day of his passing and who is left to survive. Four sons were born to their union, they being Jerry Frank, Rudolph and Charles. The first three named are making their homes on fine farms in the vicinity of Zion church, southeast of Clarkson, while the youngest of the boys, Charles, who had just recently completed a course in electrical engineering at the state university at Lincoln, is making his home in town since his return from school. Outside of his immediate family the deceased is survived by four brothers, namely John, of San Benito, Texas; Joseph, Anton and Charles, who are respectable residents of this community
Mr. and Mrs. Novotny after many years of faithful service on the farm moved to Clarkson to take a well-earned rest. They had a modern home built in the west part of town and it is to be regretted that their residence here has been abrupted in so short a time.
Funeral arrangements are pending the arrival of the John Novotny family from Texas. Burial will be made in the Zion cemetery southeast of Clarkson of which the deceased was one of the organizers. Services are to be at the family home in town and the Zion church southeast of Clarkson.
In the passing of Frank J. Novotny the community feels the loss of a highly-respectable citizen whose memory will remain as an outstanding example to those who have known him. His work was well done. Peace to his ashes!After combating the white plague for many years, Miss Agnes Luxa fell victim to the dreadful disease at the family home in the north part of town. Ever since it became known to the young lady that she is suffering with the plague, visits were made to various health resorts but all was of no avail except for an occasional relief. About six months ago she was confined to her bed and remained bedfast until her death.
She was born on August 7, 1884, on a farm near Tabor, having attained the age of almost forty years. Besides her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alois Luxa, she is survived by several brothers and sisters. The funeral was held from the family home and burial was made in the Bohemian National cemetery west of town. The funeral rites were in charge of Rev. Jos. Havlik, pastor of the Zion church.
August 7, 1924 - reprinted April 1, 1998Most of the harvesting in this part of the country is complete. The first to make any real showing was on the land of William Wolfe where threshing began. The first field yielded 36 bushels; the second 32; and the third 42 per acre. The smallest yield yet reported was by John Parolek, Jr., who farms the old Whitman place southwest of Schuyler, with a return of 17 bushels per acre, but even this is considered good for the quality of the land.
A report was current on the street that a field near Linwood was threshed out producing 50 bushels per acre. Will Ternes claims he has one of the banner fields of wheat in this section, three miles northeast of the city, and he is wagering dollars to doughnuts that it will produce 50 bushels per acre, or there will be none of that kind in the country.
Bob Jenkins comes forth with a like boast for his wheat fields in Linwood precinct, Butler County. This is one of the best wheat sections in Nebraska, and has always been a big producing farm. Dave Kluck, near Richland, has reported 36 bushels per acre. The yield, so far, the crop is better than anticipated.Chas. Marinec and Frank Humlicek and their sons returned home from a week's outing and visit with relatives and friends at Clutier, Iowa. They speak of a pleasant trip which was accomplished with any trouble whatsoever.
They also report that a very destructive tornado visited that portion of Iowa a few day before their arrival there, causing many thousand dollars worth of damage. They cite one case where a farmer living only a short distance from Mr. Marinec's brother-in-law, suffered a loss of about $30,000. This man had a set of large and up-to-date buildings on his farm and after the cyclone passed there was nothing left of the improvements but heaps of debris.
A large church in that same locality was also destroyed, notwithstanding the heavy loss of stock.Miss Mary Mundil arrived here for a few days' visit at the J. M. Mundil home and other relatives. The young lady is taking a course in nursing culture at the Presbyterian Hospital in Omaha and expects to finish her course in a few months.
Alois F. Pimper, proprietor of the Howells Battery station and expert radio man, was in Clarkson installing a large six-tube Radiola Super-Herterdyne radio receiving set at the Otto Odvarka home. The Super-Heterdyne is claimed to be the very latest article in radio reception and features numerous improvements over other makes.
Dr. Kavan presenting Mr. and Mrs. Alois Totusek, living southeast of Clarkson, with a fine baby girl.
Jos. Frei and family of Omaha were guests at the Bohumil Cech home. Mr. Frei is a brother of Mrs. Cech and is said to be an expert cabinet-maker which trade he has been following in the city for many years.
Dr. V.L. Odvarka and wife arrive here from Omaha to make Clarkson their permanent home. Their household goods were trucked here by F.J. Rychtig. Dr. Odvarka has his office equipped with a strictly up-to-date dental equipment and will be ready for business by August 11. He is located in the second story of The Press building where he has ample room to give his patients the very best of accommodations.
Dr. F.B. Schultz and sons, Archie, J.L. Stransky and Harold Chleboun returned from a two-weeks fishing trip which took them as far as Osakas, Minnesota. Their fish story sounds reasonable and we do not doubt it a bit when told by such nimrods as Messrs. Schultz and Stransky.
Filbert Wacha and wife returned home from a few day's outing in the Black Hill region. They found the roads in good condition and report having had a most pleasant trip..
Miss Mary Bukacek, who has conducted a millinery store in Clarkson for many years, has engaged in the same line of business at Schuyler, having purchased the stock owned by Maude Nickless.
Miss Elsie and Viola Suchy, Mary and Lillian Novotny and Almira Nykodem were passengers to Omaha for a few days' visit with relatives and friends.
Mrs. F.C. Kratochvil and Miss Katie Kopietz left for Omaha where the former will select her stock of fall millinery, while the latter will visit with relatives. They expect to be gone for about a week.
Lada Hanel and wife vacated the former Jos. Ruzicka property in the east part of town and are now occupying the Frank Basta dwelling adjoining the Mudrow garage.
Mr. and Mrs. Jos. L. Vacin and Miss Mary Slama returned home from a week's visit with Joe's parents near Colby, Kansas. They found the Vacin family well satisfied with their new home and in addition report a beautiful wheat crop in western Kansas. While there they also witnessed the threshing of wheat on the Vacin farm, the quality of the grain being superior to that raised in this part of the country. The yield is placed on the average of over 20 bushels per acre. The corn crop in that part of Kansas looks real good and promises a big yield.
CLARKSON MARKET Wheat, $103; Corn, .90; Oats, .43; Rye, .75; Hogs, 8.70: Butter, .25; Eggs, .20.
August 14, 1924 - reprinted April 1, 1998B. L. Novotny, Edward Wolf, A.J. Fayman and James Hampl drove to Omaha by car to bring three new Ford cars for the Fayman-Vacin Auto Co.
Mrs. Vlasak, who was a guest at the F.Kacin home in Clarkson, returned to her home in Beemer.
Jos. Holoubek is helping out at the Clarkson Oil company's station.
Mrs. Clyde Karel left for Elgin for a few days' visit with relatives, leaving the "old man" home all by himself.
August 24, 1924 - reprinted April 8, 1998A rather peculiar accident occurred on the railroad crossing near the former Holan farm two miles west of Clarkson when a hand car driven by Section Foreman Frank Zdenek and a Nash automobile driven by Edward Zelenda collided. The section crew consisting of Messrs. Frank Zdenek, Frank and James Krofta and Frank Libra was headed southwest and neither Mr. Zelenda nor the crew saw one another until too late to avert the accident.
The two vehicles crashed in the middle of the crossing, the impact completely breaking off one of the front wheels and badly bending the axle on the automobile and somewhat damaging the hand car which was propelled by a gasoline motor. It is fortunate that no one was seriously hurt, Frank Krofta being the only one to have sustained a minor injury by bruising one of his legs.Alois A. Pimper of the Howells battery station reports the sale of a fine Willys-Knight sedan to Louis Brester. Mr. Brester selected the latest DeLuxe model and now has one of the best cars in this vicinity. Mr. Pimper also sold a used Willys-Knight to Gerhard Gall and a used Chalmers to Frank Johns.
A wedding of unusual interest was consummated at the Tabor church when Adolph Kudrna of near Clarkson and Miss Blanc he Mestl of the Tabor locality, plighted their troth in happy wedlock. The profuse ceremony was performed by Father Folta in the presence of a large gathering of friends and relatives of the contracting parties, the double ring formality having been carried out.
Miss Mary Kudrna, sister of the groom, and Lumir Mestl, brother of the bride, escorted the happy couple to the altar in the capacity of bridesmaid and groomsman, Little Anna Dworak appeared as flower girl.
Following the nuptial ceremony at the church, the bridal party and guests autoed to the bride's home when an elaborate reception prevailed.
The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Mestl, prosperous farmers of near Howells, while the bridegroom in the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Alois Kudrna, well-to-do farmers of this community and who own a fine farm adjoining Clarkson on the northeast.
Both are popular young people and enjoy the respect of all who know them. They are endowed with many characteristic features of personality and have a bright future before themselves. Upon conclusion of the reception at the Mestl home a dance was given in honor of the newlyweds at the Tabor hall, several hundred people having been present.
Mr. and Mrs. Kudrna left for a several days' honeymoon trip which will take them up to the Black Hills and other scenic parts of the country. Upon their return they will establish themselves on the Kudrna farm near Clarkson, the old folks having purchased a dwelling house in town. The Press joins their many friends in wishing them a happily wedded life.Relatives have been informed of the death of Mrs. Caroline Lipsky-Noh the second wife of John Noh for many years a resident of this county and deceased since 1918, which occurred at her home in Galesburg,Ilinois on July 24, 1924. Below is a reproduction of the obituary appearing in a recent issue of the Galesburg Republican-Register:
Mrs. Caroline Lipsky Noh passed away at her home terminating an illness of two years. Mrs. Noh's illness had compelled her to remain at her home practically all of the time for the last few months.
Funeral services were held at the home. Interment was made in Hope cemetery
Caroline Daub was born in Germany on January 1, 1844. When 22 years old she came to the United States, locating at Mineral Point, Wisconsin. She was married at that place to Alexander Lipsky in 1868. Three years after their marriage the couple come to Galesburg. Following the death of Mr. Lipsky she resided in Nebraska for a short time. She was married there to John Noh, who passed away in 1918.
Surviving are children A.W. Lipsky, W.F. Lipsky, H.E. Lipsky, Mrs. Louise Bone, all of Galesburg, and Mrs. Arndt of Los Angeles, California There are eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Two sisters, Mrs. Miller, Germany and brother, Robert Daub, Germany.
Mrs. Noh was a member of the old German Lutheran Church.James Svitak has engaged the services of Jos. Maly and will have a modern built on his farm in Stanton county. Work on the structure will commence at once.
Jerry Zak, who has filled the position of second man at the Nye Schneider Jenks yards in Howells for some time, has received notification from his superiors that he was appointed station manager at Touhy, Nebraska. Jerry is now making arrangements to move his family to the new location and will take immediate charge of the company's business.
Mr. and Mrs. Leo Kamensky welcomed a baby boy into their home in Leigh.
Henry Schaefers has disposed of his confectionery business in Leigh to Alvena Wiebold who has already taken charge of the business. Miss Wiebold formerly conducted the business and no doubt will again do a good business. We wish her success in her undertaking.
A wedding of much interest to Leigh friends occurred in Lincoln when Miss Lucille Reed became the bride of Peter Botsch. The ceremony was performed by Rev. W. B. Alexander, an uncle of the bride, in the presence of a few near relatives of the bride and following the ceremony the couple left for a honeymoon trip which will take them into the Black Hills and Minnesota.
They stopped here for a few minutes for a brief visit with the bridegroom's mother. On their return Mr. and Mrs. Botsch will establish their home in Madison where the groom is engaged in business.
August 24, 1924 - reprinted April 15, 1998Chas. R. Kuhle, editor and publisher of The Leigh World, has taken over the Creston Statesman and will endeavor to publish the same in the future. The first issue was printed in the office of The World this week. Chas. Hook, the owner of the Creston paper, has found it difficult to operate the plant with outside help and therefore has been anxious to dispose of the same.
For a number of years most of the composition work for the Creston Statesman has been done in the Leigh World office, hence it will be very little additional work for the local shop. With a thoroughly modern printing plant at their disposal, the people of Creston should feel that this arrangement is entirely to their advantage and they should make the best of their opportunity.The real estate firm of Odvarka Bros. sold the Jos. Cada residence property in the southeast part of town to Jos R. Hrouda of near Dodge for the consideration of $6,000. Mr. and Mrs. Hrouda will take possession of the property when they move here from Dodge County to make Clarkson their permanent home.
The property consists of a large two story square house and one corner lot, the same being situated in a very desirable location. Having retained the north lot, Mr. and Mrs. Cada will immediately commence the erection of a new home of much smaller dimension than their former dwelling. Mr. and Mrs. Hrouda are respectable people and with their locating here, Clarkson will gain another esteemable family.
That same day Frank J. Svik disposed of his residence property in the northwest part of town to Joseph Popelka, who is making arrangements to leave his farm south of town to take a much needed rest. The price paid was $3150., the property consisting of a six-room house and two lots. The property is at present occupied by the Frank Polacek family.The first letter sent via aeroplane route to a local party was received by Mrs. Frank Powolny from her husband who is at present visiting with his sons at Los Angeles, California.
Jos. W. Konicek is one of the happiest men in this vicinity when his better half presented him with a bouncing boy, their first born. They are parents of five girls and the arrival of the boy adds to their happiness. Dr. Vosika ushered the newcomer into this world and is looking after his welfare.
Stanton and vicinity experienced one of the worst electrical storms and heaviest rains that we have had for a number of years. Although it rained but two inches, it rained so fast that that the streets were full of water and Mr. Kingston reports that the ditch just eat of City Park was the highest it has ever been.
The train service was tied up until after dinner, the morning passenger going west remaining in Pilger while the one going east was held at Norfolk on account of five hundred feet of track being washed out between Stanton and Norfolk. Mr. Cook reports that it was the worst wash-out they have had for a number of years, and that in some places six feet of grade was gone and that a person could walk under the rails.
The lightning was very severe. The Edgar Moldenhauer's barn was struck and burnt to the ground, and one of his cows killed. It also struck a big cottonwood tree in the Smithberger lawn, badly splintering the tree.
The wind blew at a high speed and a small twister struck the Ferdinand Krutz hay barn in the northwest part of town, and turned it over, nearly wrecking the buildingMiss Lillie Suchy arrived home from Omaha where she is employed for a two-week's visit.
Nathan Moore left for Omaha from where he went on to New York City with his friend, Mr. Segbers, to purchase merchandise. Nathan will make various purchases for the Moore store while Mr. Segbers will look after buying stock for one of the Omaha wholesale houses.
Mr. and Mrs. Fed F. Mundil of Linwood spent time with Clarkson relatives They returned home in Joe Mundil's auto, leaving their car here in Andrew Necas' paint shop for renovation. We are told that the farmers in the vicinity of Linwood are busy threshing and selling their wheat. The wheat crop in that part of the state has returned an unusually large yield and we are informed that the deposits of the Linwood bank have bee n increased in but a few days by a margin of$30,000, most of which money was realized by farmers of that community from the sale of wheat.
A company of young people consisting of Misses Olga Novotny and Lillie Bukacek, Theodore A. Filipi, Lawrence Chleboun and Jos. Bukacek, Jr., left in two cars for Blue Rapids, Kansas , for a ten-day visit at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Hula who have been here attending the funeral of the late F.J. Novotny and who returned home.
Mr. and Mrs. V.J. Bukacek of Valparaiso were visitors at the John Bukacek home. Mrs. E. R. Dudek of Neligh and Miss Mary Bukacek of Schuyler were here also spending the day with relatives.
Miss Alice Stoklasa returned home from Schuyler where she had spent the week at the hospital.
Mr. and Mrs. Hy. Lhotak, who moved here from near Dodge, are making arrangements to move back to Dodge within a few days. While there one day they leased the residence property belonging to Gus Miller who is moving with his family to Des Moines, Iowa. During their stay in Clarkson, Mr. and Mrs. Lhotak have made their home with the Pospichal family. Inasmuch as we dislike to see them leave Clarkson, we wish them good luck.
Mrs. Mary Novotny was at Howells visiting relatives. She was accompanied by her nieces Misses Agnes and Viola Folda who spend a few days at the Novotny home.
Miss Agnes Dvorak returned to Omaha after a two weeks visit with relatives.
Mrs. John L. Lauda, who had been confined to the hospital at Omaha following an operation, returned home. She was met at the city by her husband who accompanied her home. Mrs. Lauda feels great improved in health since the operation.
August 24, 1924 - reprinted April 22, 1998While threshing returns have been delayed because of unfit weather conditions, a number of fields have been completed, and returns have been checked, with gratifying results. The heaviest yield yet reported is from the John Steinke-Frank Hughes fields, where a 35-acre field produced a little better than 46 bushels per acre. Matt Eller, 82 acres, 33 bushels per acre, James Brennen, 30 acres, 20 bushels, Joseph Smejkal, 38 bushels per acre, Robert Shonka, living on the Emil Coufal farm, reports his average at 37 bushels per acre. Tom Tooher, 35 bushels per acre. Harry DeBower, on the Debower, on the Castek farm in Colfax precinct, 55 acres that averaged 35 bushels.
Rev. Father F.G. Schupp of Olean lost portions of three fingers of his left hand as the result of pinching them in the window of his coupe while en route from Olean to Dodge. The members were amputated at the Military Avenue Hospital in Fremont, where he was rushed following the unfortunate accident. He is reported resting comfortably.
Rev. Father Schupp does not exactly know how the accident occurred, it happened so suddenly. He said he had his hand off the side of the car and he believes he caught his fingers between the glass in the window and the side. Three fingers of his left hand were badly mangled. He immediately stopped the car and, unable to drive it, walked about a mile to Dodge where he secured medical attention.
When the nature of the injuries were ascertained, he was hurried to the hospital, where and operation was performed to amputate the three fingers.Bohumil Beran and family, Mrs.Lada Hanel, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Sobeslavsky and Mrs. Anna Sobeslavsky left in two cars for Omaha from where they left after a short visit for Cedar Rapids, Traer and other points. They expect to be gone for about ten days.
Kopac Brothers, well-known Colfax County products, have a large wheat ranch in Garden County that promises to bring to them splendid returns this year, although the two former crop years have almost been blanks. This year they have out 1600 acres of the golden cereal, and Emil and Ed, who are in actual charge of the ranch have written to their brothers that the summer fallow land, of which they have 800 acres, is estimated to yield 40 bushels per acre. The other 800 acres will not do so well, but is believed that it will be close to 30 bushels per acre. This section of the acreage was also damaged early in the season by hail.
The brothers now have two large combines at work in the harvest field. One cuts 24 feet and the other 20 feet, and threshes as it is cut, and elevates the wheat into a bin carried as part of the equipment. When the bin is full, a truck drives under, and the bin is dumped, while the machines are in action. It is expected that harvesting will require at least two weeks.
While the combines complete the harvesting and threshing as they travel the hours per day are short. A little dampness in the straw prevents operation. Because of the distance from the ranch to the railroad the grain is piled out in the open, and after harvesting is complete, it is hauled to market, when the price is suitable.Jos. Mundil, Jr. left for Omaha to join an excursion party for Denver, Yellowstone Park and other noted places of the west. Mr. Mundil was awarded this trip as a prize offered by life insurance company or writing a certain amount of insurance. He will return home by way of Minneapolis and may also visit with relatives at Wisconsin.
Edward Cinfel had a narrow escape from fatal injury. While taking out a threshing machine from the shed he was forcibly thrown to the ground from the top of the separator, sustaining a fractured rib and other internal injury. He laid unconscious or several hours before he was able to realize what had happened.