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:

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May 1, 1942 - reprinted December 11, 1996

For the last two or three years since cash has been rather scarce among the farmers, agents traveling through the country have urged their prospective customers to buy and give a check dated in advance. This has been done a great deal although farmers have had no certainty they would have funds at that time. In a recent talk at Columbus attorney Walter warned people against accepting post dated checks. He said a check dated in advance or one of even date when the waiter requested it not be presented at the bank until later time the holder would have no recourse against the person who issued it should they find it to be no good.

Farm lands are gradually coming back, or in other words, the demand for it is getting better. The H.D. Janszen farm, composed of 79 acres sold at executors sale at $217 an acre. This was a cash price. The farm was bought by Jacob Joseph Meier. Although the farm is only a mile and one half from town, the price is considered very favorable.--West Point Republican.

Two real estate deals were consummated at Dodge last week. Chas. Faltin sold his farm of 240 acres to August Knobbe and bought the Henry Lhotak quarter section. In both instances the consideration was $271.50 per acre, which would indicate that values are on the upward trend.

The directors of the Bohemian National cemetery west of town had a fair sized building erected on the cemetery. It will be used for storing various tools needed at the cemetery and also for shelter in rainy weather. A cistern of a large capacity was also put in on the cemetery for watering purposes. These were much needed improvements on the cemetery and we are sure the public in general will appreciate the efforts put forth by the directors of the association to make this one of the best cemeteries in this section.

Misses Anna and Lillian Karel went to Lincoln where they visited at the Fanny Dworak home and with their friends, the Misses Emma, Georgia and Olga Dworak.

A real horse ranch may be found these days at the Jos. Bayers farm. Mr. Bayers had about fifty head on hand and yesterday he received an additional shipment of twenty horses, bringing the total number to over seventy. He also has a large number of thoroughbred cattle on hand which he purchased in different parts of the state.

The morning of Tuesday, April 22 was bright and beautiful with the promise of Spring's loveliness, and was a fitting setting for such a joyous occasion as the marriage of Mr. William E. Podany and Miss Marie Koza, which occurred at the St. Peter's Catholic Church in Stanton, Rev. Father Kaunaby reading the vows. The couple was attended by Miss Libbian Koza, sister of the bride, and Anton Podany, a brother of the groom.
    Immediately after the ceremony, the merry party went to the home of the bride's parents, where a sumptuous feast awaited them and their relatives. That evening, a wedding danace was given, which was attended by a host of relatives and friends. Walla Bros. furnished the excellent music for this occasion of much merriment, and at midnight the guests were again refreshed by a bounteous lunch.
    The bride is the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Koza, who reside in the southern part of the country, where she spent the most of her girlhood. This event unites two prominent and prosperous families of the community. The lady is a charming young lady of sweet, unassuming manners, yet with that practical knowledge of homemaking that proves her to be an ideal housewife. Her bridal gown was of lustrous white Canton crepe, trimmed with rich Spanish lace, and her finely embroidered veil fell full length. She carried a bouquet of pink roses and sweet peas, mingled with the dainty green of ferns. The bridesmaid, Miss Libbian Koza, wore a becoming dress of pink taffeta, prettily draped and carried fragrant pink roses.
    William Podany, the groom is the fourth son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Podany, of this county. He attended the rural schools, and is [sic] early manhood took up farming as his trade. He is an honest fellow, industrious and ambitious, and will make a worthy mate for his pretty bride. The young people will make their home on a farm in this county. We wish for them unbounded happiness and prosperity.--Stanton Register.

Robert Tomes arrived here from Dodge for an indefinite visit with old-time friends.

The people of Clarkson have every reason to be proud of our filling station operated by Frank Vnuk. Everything about the station is modern and in [sic] equal to the very best stations found in large cities. His automatic gas pumps and air compressor are of the latest types and every day he keeps on adding various improvement. He had water pipes laid in and now autoists can have their radiators filled in a second without having to look for a can. His next improvement will be to put in the first section of paving, the very first in Clarkson, which will be laid all around the station and will also take in a portion of the street. We need more boosters and progressive business men like Mr. Vnuk.

L.R. Coufal, one of the prominent figures in the banking circle at Howells, was in Clarkson on business.

Quite a few Clarkson and nearby people were at Howells in attendance at the Bohemian home-talent play presented there that evening.

Adolph Rychtig was at Winner, South Dakota, the forepart of the week from where he drove down a new Dodge business coupe which his firm sold last week to Henry Lhotak.

Mrs. Jos. Pekarek and son, John, of Howells, were Clarkson vistors this afternoon.

Jos. E. Koliha, experienced millwright of Schuyler is engaged at the local mill doing various repairs and overhauling machinery.

Mrs. Clyde Karel invited a number of little folks to her home to help celebrate the eighth birthday anniversary of her son, Rawlin.

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May 1, 1942 - reprinted December 18, 1996

John M. Cox of Schuyler, purchased a building site from Louis Prokes, the lot being the west on [sic] of the John C. Sprecher old home on East 9th street in Schuyler. The sale was made through the Geo. Gerrard agency, and for a consideration of $1750. Mr. Cox expects to erect a new home on the site this summer.

Our entire community of Schuyler was saddened and severely shocked when it was learned that Mrs. Fredericka Ludwig had been found dead at her home. Alice Anderson, the seven year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Anderson, had gone to the home of Mrs. Ludwig on an errand. When she entered the house she did not find Mrs. Ludwig about as was usually the case. She went to the bedroom where she sometimes found Mrs. Ludwig at work. Alice here found Mrs. Ludwig lying prostrate on the floor near her bed. She called but no response came and she then endeavored to turn Mrs. Ludwig over to ascertain, if possible, what was the trouble.
    She then hurried to her home and informed her mother of what she had seen. Mrs. Anderson telephoned to Mr. Anderson and he hurriedly summoned physicians to the Ludwig home. Physicians stated that Mrs. Ludwig had been dead but a short time, her death being due to heart trouble with which she had been afflicted for some time past.

Arnold Vanicek, a student at the Institute for the Blind at Nebraska City, spent Easter in Schuyler at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Vanicek. Arnold made the trip to Schuyler and returned alone. He is making splendid progress in his work and especially in his music work.

Jos. S. Vraspir, a former resident of our city, but for the past few years residing in Thurston county, arrived here for a visit at the home of his son, Albin.

Miss Libbie Novotny treated her Sunday school class to a party at her home. Several outside guests were also invited and it is needless to say that a good time was enjoyed.

Miss Marie Vlach of Omaha is spending a two-week vacation with her parents Mr. and Mrs. J.K. Vlach, north of town.

Edwin Mohnsen, the seven-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Gus Mohnsen, residing northwest of Clarkson, is seriously ill with influenza the past few days.

Albert Svoboda left for Schuyler where he erected several monuments in the Schuyler cemetery. From there he went to Ord to put six large tomb stones. Mr. Svoboda is an artist in this line and his work speaks for itself no matter it may be.

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Platz of David City visited at the Anton Odvarka, Jr. home. They were accompanied by Mr. Platz's sisters, Mrs. Sophie Groover, Mrs. M.L. Gray, Mrs. Bertha Rathsack and Mrs. Olga B. Kibbie, who visited here until the following day when they left and Mrs. Olga B. Kibbe, departed for her home at Santa Monica, California, and Mrs. Rathsack for Chicago.

A.J. Karel and his son, Adolph, returned from Omaha after a four-day stay in the city. While there Adolph had a growth removed with which he has been bothered for some time. He was getting along real well after the operation until he suffered a hemorrhage of the nose. Dr. Kavan was called to give him medical aid and it will be necessary for Adolph to remain in bed a few days.

Henry Lhotak was at Dodge completing the sale of his 160-acre farm located south of town which he sold the Chas. Faltin at $217.50 per acre. Henry, since leaving the farm, is making his home with his wife's mother in Clarkson and his intention is to take a good rest. The price he received for the land tends to disclose that better land values are on the verge of resurrection.

Miss Alice Schultz, who is a student at the state university at Lincoln, was here visiting with home folks. She was accompanied by her friend, Miss Ardath Srb of Dodge, who is also attending the university.

Emil E. Brodecky of Howells is a frequent Clarkson visitor looking after the Howells Corn Planter Harrow Attachment of which he is one of the devicees and promoters. He has a practical thing and in due course of time we expect to see one of these attachments on every farm in the country.

Henry J. Busch of the St. Henry vicinity had business at Clarkson, his first trip here the past two years.

Mrs. Carl Vogel of Stanton county is confined at the Norfolk hospital recuperating from the effects of an operation for appendicitis which she underwent a few days ago.

Mrs. Jerry Cernin arrived here from Millard for a week's visit with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Nebola, and other relatives. Mrs. Cernin tells us that she and her husband are well pleased with Millard and that the Cernin brothers are enjoying a very liberal barber trade.

Clarkson Market: Wheat, 90c; Corn, 60c; Rey, 50c; Oats, 43c; Hogs, $6.40; Butter, 25c; Eggs, 18c.

At about six o'clock Monday evening the alarm was sounded in West Point calling on the fire department to assist in putting out a fire that was destroying the large barn at Frank Novak's farm eight miles west of town. By the time the fire truck arrived on the scene the barn was already burned down and there was not much the department could do. They, however, rendered assistance in wetting down nearby buildings. The heroic efforts of the neighbors is what saved the nearby building while the barn was in flames. A new hog barn standing close by was in serious danger at one time. The animals that were in the barn were all saved. Ten tons of hay was burned up.--West Point Republican.

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May 1, 1942 - reprinted December 25, 1996

A business deal was consummated early this week in which L.C. Faubel sells his business to a farm known as Reznicek Brothers and sons. This sale is the outgrowth of a vacation fever that Mr. Faubel has been threatened with for quite a while.
    The new buyers are from Dodge, Nebraska, and this transaction is another step in their plans for making a group of stores. Mr. Joseph Reznicek will be manager and establish his residence. He will be assisted by his father or brother at this station of the work. The Rezniceks have stores at Dodge and Madison and their purchase here of the Faubel stock makes the third.--Wisner News.

Blahoslav Novotny went to Omaha to prepare himself for the road again. He will again become drummer for a wholesale drug company.

Mrs. Adolph Vraspir is having a modern porch built to her home in the west part of town and is also doing other improvements thereabout.

George Humlicek was up from Dodge visiting with his wife. George tells us that he is well satisfied with the patronage he is enjoying in his new undertaking. He expects to move his household belongings to Dodge.

Free air and water at Clarkson Oil Station. Everybody welcome.

Blahoslav Novotny was at Humphrey to meet the local Boy Scouts returning from their meet at Norfolk. The boys on account of the muddy roads took the train from Norfolk to Humphrey where Mr. Novotny awaited them with his car.

Rev. B.A. Filipi was called to Abie to conduct funeral services for one of the residents of that community.

Mrs. Jos. Blecha went to Omaha with her eight-year-old son, Joseph, to consult a specialist. Early last fall the little fellow stepped on a nail and the wound healed very nicely, but recently his foot began to pain and the attending physician stated that the pain is caused by the reaction of the old wound and advised that a bone specialist be consulted.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Srb and daughter, Adaline, Dr. and Mrs. V.L. Odvarka, Mrs. Anton Odvarka, Sr. and Edward Soukup motored over from Omaha to attend the bazaar to have been given by the J.C.D. order. It was to their disappointment when they arrived only to learn that the bazaar has been postponed. They encountered very muddy roads along the route, especially on the newly graded road west of Dodge. The following day they all returned to their homes with the exception of Mrs. Odvarka, Sr. who remained for a longer visit with relatives.

The Clarkson representation at the Boy Scout district meeting at Norfolk was comprised of the following: Scoutmaster, C.S. Jones, Victor Pimper, Frankie Miller, Melvin Hahn, Joe Bukacek, Joe Novotny, Lambert Urbanek, Lambert Jirovec and Melvin Ruzicka.

Mrs. Robert Moran, one of the best poultry raisers in this locality, suffered a severe loss among her flock when 86 pound weight chickens were killed and a number much larger were asphyxiated so that their recovery is very doubtful.
    Mrs. Moran discovered the condition early Thursday morning. From all appearances it is evident that the chickens crowded around the stove and shut off the air so that a gas was formed in the room. The loss was among the oldest chickens as they were closer to the stove. Eighty-six which were found dead would have been ready for market in less than two weeks.--Creston Statesman

After a prolonged illness of many weeks, the spirit of little Felix Ruzek, aged about 2 1/2 years, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Ruzek, took its flight to the Regions unknown at an early hour on Saturday morn; death was due to diphtheria and other complications.--Dodge Criterion

Sheriff Arps and his deputy, John Gumb, were in Leigh exhibiting a still which they claimed had been taken at the farm of Louis Burns. The still, they claimed, was a perfect model for the manufacture of the forbidden juice, and was taken to Schuyler by the officials.

Newton Jones and Lorenz Waibel from near Columbus were arrested on Sunday night on the charge of intoxication, illegal possession of liquors and assault upon a fourteen year old girl of Schuyler. The girl alleges that she was out auto riding with the men and the men offered her intoxicating liquors to drink. The men were arraigned before Judge Fiala and were granted a continuance. They were each placed under a $200 bond.

The Fred Schindelar property, consisting of two pieces of Schuyler real estate and an eighty-acre farm northwest of Schuyler was sold by Referee George Busch. The residence in the Third ward was purchased by Carl Kramer for $2000, the residence in the Second ward, William Coles, $925; and the farm of eighty acres went for $50 per acre, the purchaser being Fred Schindelar, Jr. This is perhaps the lowest price paid for Colfax county land in the past 15 years. The tract is without buildings, and is mostly Shell Creek bottom pasture land with considerable oak timber. The price is generally regarded as about one-half of its actual value.--Schuyler Sun