Colfax Co. - Looking Back (1942)

Colfax Co. - Looking Back (1942) NEGenWeb Project
Looking Back At The World (1942)
By The Leigh World
Colfax County, Nebraska

The Leigh World publishes a weekly column entitled Looking Back at the World, which is comprised of articles taken from earlier Leigh World files. A special thank you to the Leigh World for allowing me to reprint those articles. The following are selections from that column:

January 2, 1942 - republished September 21, 2016
John Tichota has been announced as the chairman of the Commodity Rationing Board for Colfax County.
OPA has found it necessary to effect strict control over tire sales because of spread of war to the East Indies area.
About fifty percent of crude rubber comes from areas which are now being invaded by the Japanese and another forty-three percent of the rubber used in the United States is for the manufacture of tires.
The Leigh branch of the American Red Cross was the first organization in Colfax county to remit its quota for the War Relief Fund, according to George Fiala, of Howells, who is the chairman of the county drive. Leigh's quota was $300. The quota for the county is $1900.00.
The Red Cross will use the money to do their work and with casualities coming in from Pearl Harbor and other points in the war zone it is needless to say that the need is great.
A fire of undetermined origin early today roared through the Montgomery Ward & Company sotre in downtown Columbus, destroying the three-story structure and all of the stock.
Robert N. Miller, store manager, said the loss was "at least 100 thousand dollars."
Two men working on the marquee at the theatre sighted the flames and halted the picture. The audience left in orderly fashion.
The structure built in 1900, housed the North Opera House from that time until 1928 when it was remodeled into a store.
The Council Oak Stores is selling Council Oak Coffee for 28c a pound, exchange the bag for 22 carat gold pattern dishes.
January 16, 1942 - republished October 5, 2016
In Creston the road east and west down the hill from the water tank has been designated by the Village Board as a coasting hill for youngsters whenever there is snow.
The WPA recreation staff have made signs to stop traffic on the hill and drivers of cars and trucks are asked not to drive on this road except when necessary during days when the hill is in good shape for coasting.
January 23, 1942 - republished October 5, 2016
Miss Elsie G.M. Sjuts of Humphrey, became the bride of Ernest H. Loseke at St. Peter's Lutheran Church at Humphrey on Wednesday of last week.
The bride received her education from Cornlea Public Schools. The groom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Loseke. He attended a rural school near his home and is currently farming with his father. The young couple left on a honeymoon trip to Minnesota and after March 1, they will be at home on a farm near Leigh.
Victor B. Wolken has received a civil service appointment in the railway mail service and left for Omaha Wednesday where he reported for duty at the Burlington station Thursday. Mr. Wolken has been the assistant postmaster at Leigh for the past six years and his place is being filled by Gus A. Schlueter.
Dr. H.D. Kuper was chosen as president of the Leigh Commercial Club at the monthly meeting. W.W. Rynearson was elected vice president and Henry Barjenbruch succeeded his brother Clarence as secretary-treasurer.
The Council Oak Stores advertise in their week-end meat specials, fresh pigs feet and neck bones for 5c.
Smrz & Moeller's IGA Store advertises this week Ivory soap 9c for a large bar, IGA Naphtha soap, eight giant bars for 32c and IGA spaghetti, 2 cans for 19c.
Gwen Vraspir received a civil service appointment as a senior stenographer in the War department in Washington, D.C. last week. She is to report in Washington on January 22. Her salary will be $1,440.00 a year.
Mr. Vraspir is in Washington state working at present and until his plans are more definite, the younger Vraspir children, Dorothy and Darlene, will remain at Creston at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Foy Conyers.
Mr. Eilers, who has been meter reader here for the Loup River Public Power Company, received a civil service appointment and leaves on Saturday for Baimerton, Wash.
He will be an electrician in the shipyard there.
January 30, 1942 - republished October 5, 2016
Third registration will take place February 14-16. All men between age group of 20 and 44 inclusive must register.
Registration will be held at the following places: Schuyler, court house; Howells, city hall; Clarkson, city hall; Leigh, city hall; Richland, town hall; Rogers, town hall.
Sgt. Elden Dudycha, a former Leigh boy, has been transferred from Company C, first regiment and promoted to first sergeant of headquarters company at the quartermaster replacement training center, Fr. Francis E. Warren, Wyo.
He is the son of Mrs. Emma Slama of Clarkson, a former Leigh resident.
The Leigh Dairy and Motycka Meat Market announce that beginning February 1, milk and cream prices will be increased. Milk, quart 11c, pint 6c.
The Creston senior class went to Humphrey to the show, Thursday evening. Marvin Stovall, Billy Larson and Dr. W.J. Ritter drove cars.
January 30, 1942 - republished November 29, 1995
First places in the local declamatory contest held at the Leigh high School Auditorium went to Robert Herink in the oratorical division, Ruth Motzus in the dramatic, and Alyce Weaver in the humorous.
Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Prokop, Sr. were pleasantly surprised when a group of relatives and friends gathered at their home to help them observe their 32nd wedding anniversary. The affair was planned by their son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Jos. F. Prokop. The evening was spent at taroks and bingo.
At the Council Oak Store weekend meat specials included fresh side pork, 16 cents lb., ring bologna, 19 cents lb., and fresh beef hearts, 17 cents lb. Dependable brooms were also on the sale bill at 52 cents, light bulbs at 2 cents, and two cans of Gerber baby food for 13 cents.
February 14, 1942 and February 16, 1942, have been proclaimed by the Governor as Registration Days for this state of all men in the age group twenty to forty four years who have not heretofore registered. This includes all male residents born between February 17, 1897 and December 31, 1921.
A group of friends gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Hanel, Sr. for a farewell party honoring James Hanel, Jr., who has enlisted in the air corps. The evening was spent at bunco with Miss Laurinda Herink winning high score and Miss Helen Kmoch low score. A number of songs were sung and played on a guitar by Miss Elaine Tejkl. A lunch was served. Those present were Misses Olga Dolesh, Helen Novak, Libbie and Elsie Stepan, Elaine Tejkl, Mildred Neuhaus, Laurinda Herink, Alva and Irene Brown, Adeline Reininger, Helen and Bessie Kmoch, Mildred Jedlicka and Julia Hanel. Also in attendance were Merle and Howard Brown, Anton Novak, Arnold Neuhaus, Norman Herink, George Urban, James Sedlak, Anton Hekrdle, Jr., Emil Jedlicka, John Dworak, Steve Stoklasa, James Stepan, Harold Sucha, Laddie Kmoch, Louis Luxa, Jerome and Loren Fendrick, Joe Hanel, Mr. and Mrs. Anton Kmoch, and Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Hanel, Sr.
Visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edw. Malena were Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Moran of Creston and Mrs. Norman Rozmarin of Schuyler.
February 6, 1942 - republished October 5, 2016
A new type of farm loan and a streamlined Farm Security Administration program for more food production was announced by Thomas W. Emery, Colfax County FSA Supervisor.
"Farm Security has been placed on a war-time footing and from now on every effort will be for the increased production of foodstuff so vital to winning the war," said Mr. Emery.
Our job is going to be to help all our borrower families to produce more food, and also to extend our loans and facilities to many other small farmers who can help and who have previously not been eligible for our program.
February 6, 1942 - republished October 12, 2016
Mrs. George Reininger Jr. entertained at a birthday party, Tuesday afternoon, in honor of her daughter and son on their birthday anniversaries. It was Ruby's fourth birthday and David's first. Those present were Shirley, LeRoy and Dickie Stonacek, DeLores and Dick Reininger, Bernice Deichmann and Wallace Wendt. Other visitors at the Reininger home were Mrs. Walter Wendt, Mr. Fred Reininger, Mrs. George Deichmann and Mrs. Ed Stonacek.
The regular meeting of the school board was held, Monday evening. Routine business was transacted.
War time or daylight saving time will start on Monday of next week when all clocks in the nation will be turned one hour ahead.
For the convenience of the country pupils at Creston who have several miles to come to school, the Creston school will start at 10:00 a.m. (war time) and be dismissed at 4:30 p.m. Lunch will be served at one o'clock. This schedule will be observed until further notice.
February 13, 1942 - republished October 12, 2016
Miss Helen Kucera, of Clarkson, became the bride of Melvin Grotelueschen on Wednesday, at Zion Lutheran parsonage at 6:30 p.m.
Attendants were Mr. and Mrs. William Kucera, of Clarkson, brother and sister-in-law of the bride.
The bride is the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kucera and graduate of Clarkson High School.
The bridegroom is the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Willie Grotelueschen and he attended Zion Lutheran School. They will make their home with his parents who live 3 miles west of Leigh.
Worst news of the week coming out of the state capitol was directed to Nebraska'a 1600 automobile dealers.
The state rationing officer on orders from Washington has told all auto dealers in the state that they cannot sell any cars or trucks which they recieved after January 16 until sometime in 1943.
It is not known how many of these cars there are in the state but it is estimated at several thousand. In addition the dealers mupay the taxes on these cars and at the same time be ready to surrender the tires and tubes on such equipment if they are asked for by the office of price administration.
Americans returning from England say that in England women are doing a lot of work formerly done by men. They predict that will happen in the United States.
Allan Sander's name was unintentionally omitted from the list of enlisted men from Creston.
Allen enlisted last month in the aviation air corps but will be permitted to finish his junior year at Midland college before being called to service. Allen took the government's course last year in aviation and qualified as a pilot. He has had considerable flying experience.
February 13, 1942 - republished October 19, 2016
Mrs. E.K. Luedtke walked past a water hydrant in her back yard, Wednesday morning and saw part of a gold ring showing in the dirt.
Picking it up and cleaning it off, she found it was a beautiful ring with a large opal stone surrounded by pearls.
She and her neighbor recognized the ring and remembered the search for it at the time of its disappearance.
Nearly 22 years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Ross Nichols resided where Luedtkes now live.
Mrs. Nichols had taken off her engagement ring and when she went to get it a short time later it had disappeared.
Her 3 1/2 year old son had been playing the in the house and yard at the time and it was assumed that he picked up the ring and dropped it somewhere.
A careful search that lasted days failed to reveal its hiding place and it was given up as lost.
When Mrs. Luetke found the ring a root of a tree or bush had grown through it.
Mrs. Nichols passed away last year. The ring was sent to her husband, Ross Nichols, who now resides in Madison.
February 20, 1942 - republished October 19, 2016
Miss Ruth Bauman wed Bohous Tichota in a ceremony at SS. Cyril and Methodius Church in Clarkson last Thursday. Miss Helen Novotny was her maid of honor and her sister Miss Elzada Bauman her attendant.
Lumir Tichota (brother of the groom) and Valentine Belohrad were attendants for the groom. Marcella and Steven Brabec were flower girl and ring bearer.
The farm labor shortage is becoming more acute and is expected to get worse as the season advances and more men are taken from the state by draft.
One Nebraska congressman has been advised by letter by many farmers that they will be compelled to leave the farm unless the policy of dealing with the drafting of farm help into the armed forces is greatly modified.
Washington officials state that industry is taking more men off the farms than is selective service. Selective service officials report that there is little they can do in regard to the matter.
The war department orders them to send in so many men and they have no other choice but to send them regardless of where they come from.
"Bundles for America" is requesting that those who can knit begin at once to make warm knitted sweaters, helmets, scarves, socks, and gloves and send them at once for our sailors braving icy waters of the North and our soldiers on duty in Iceland or other northern parts.
Steel will not be available for the 1943 Nebraska license plates, according to the state board of control which supervises the making of the plates.
There is great concern by the board members that there will be idle men and machinery in the state institutions if no plates are made.
State Engineer Wardner G. Scott said that the "matter now is under consideration in Washington" and that the states have been asked to delay plans for issuing 1943 plates.
February 20, 1942 - republished October 26, 2016
Mr. and Mrs. G.D. Clark two of Creston's loved pioneers celebrated their golden wedding ton on Sunday with an open house at the home of their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Cam Moran.
The Clark's three children are Mrs. Cam Moran, of Creston; Mrs. Pete Zacek, of Des Moines, IA and LaVern Clark, of Omaha. They have 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
The Board of Education met in a called meeting in the Bank of Leigh. The meeting was called to consider the question of the salary of Superintendent Alexis Johnson for the next year, 1943-43. Salary was set at $2,000.00.
February 27, 1942 - republished October 26, 2016
Twenty-five men from Colfax County were inducted into the army service last Friday. The men assembled at Howells Friday morning where they were loaded into busses and taken to Leavenworth, Kansas.
Walter Barjenbruch was appointed captain for the following group: Adolph Joseph Dostal, Howells; William N. McLeisch, Schuyler; George James Urban, Clarkson; Albert James Koci, Schuyler; Walter L. Barjenbruch, Leigh; Francis Henry Busch, Howells; Adolph Urban, Clarkson; Emil C. Knapp, Leigh; John Bernard Heavican, Schuyler.
Norbert John Odenreider, Leigh; Edward Bourek, Clarkson, Raymond Helmuth Wilke, Leigh; Rollie Austin Truax, Schuyler; Joseph John Kasal, Schuyler; Henry P. Steffensmeier, Dodge; Lewis J. Marek, Schuyler; Joseph W. Kosibe, Richland; Joseph Powolny, Clarkson; Theodore Zeleny, Schuyler; Stanley Kratochvil, Clarkson; Aaron Earl Spuhler, Leigh; Frank Stanley Toman, Jr., Schuyler; Dave Etherman Harris, Richland; Elisha Elizah Bailey, Schuyler; Lawrence C. Eggleston, Schuyler.
America Needs Your Scrap! An all-out war effort demands that all available scrap metal be returned to industry without delay. We face a critical military situation in our history. Our enemies have a head start. They have more men and equipment at stategic points.
We must transport ammunition and food to our allies.
Ships and weapons make [sic] steel. Steel and iron scrap are essential to steel making. Basements, garages, shops, junk lots and farmyards should be combed for all metal scrap.
Put your scrap in circulation. It can help win our war. Scrap for America!
Arnold Hespe left on Monday for Washington, D.C., where he holds a position as typist in the War department. His father, William Hespe and brother Arthur took him to Omaha and he left from that point.
Mrs. Anton Cerv arrived here, Sunday, from Gregory, S.D., for a visit at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Zdlenek. Her husband was taken to Wichita, Kansas, by Dr. Ernest Cerv of Wichita, Kansas.
March 6, 1942 - republished October 26, 2016
Charles Martin, of Omaha, 18-year old brother of Mrs. Wilbur Jenny, has accepted a post to build model airplanes for the U.S. army. He will work in Langley Memorial Laboratory at Hampton, Virginia. By building models and testing them on laboratory instruments, designers can give a new model a try-out before it is expensively produced. He will receive $105 a month with a promise of advancement after 6 months.
Mrs. R.O. Brownell, Colfax County chairman of war production has received notice that:
"This is the system we have set up with the Red Cross. When a commanding officer desires additional clothing as sweaters, he will apply to the Red Cross, the Red Cross will then arrange for the sweaters to be knitted.
In this way, every sweater knitted will serve a good purpose and there will be no waste of material, to say nothing of the labor of some patriotic women."
Wilbur Jenny who has been manager of the Farmers Union Cooperative Oil Association has tendered his resignation and will enlist in the army service about the middle of March.
The board decided that with the curtailment of the gasoline and tire business at this time they would have the work carried on by the present staff at the filling station and in addition offered the position of bookkeeper to Mrs. Lois Ehlers.
Rudolph Polenz will be the acting manager till Jenny returns from service.
March 13, 1942 - republished January 10, 1996
Mrs. Heie Franzen, 61, died suddenly at her home, the cause being a heart attack. In her usual health she was busy ironing and stopped briefly to rest and partake of a lunch. In the act of eating a sandwich she slumped into a chair. Mr. Franzen was in the house and called Dr. Eby but life was extinct.
Prices of livestock are skyrocketing these days and have gone the $13.40 mark, the top for hogs, and $14.50 for beef steers, which is the highest paid for livestock in 16 years.
The marriage of Miss Dorothy Belter of Millard, and Melvin Brown of this community was solemnized at St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Millard. A large gathering of relatives and friends witnessed the ceremony.
The Weather Bureau has notified the Third District Office of Congress that it is endeavoring to work out a plan whereby weather warnings may be given to stockmen and farmers without incurring risk of revealing information useful to the enemy.
Mr. and Mrs. A.F. Barrett celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with a family dinner at their home east of Creston where they have resided for 39 of their 40 years of married life. Lillian Clark and A.F. Barrett were married on March 4, 1902, at Columbus.
At SMRZ & MOELLER: Spaghetti, three packages, 14c; American Cheese, 2 lb. box, 50c; Red Maraschino cherries, two bottles, 19c; Sno-Kreem Shortening, 3 lb. can, 68c.
The Spanhake filling station was entered and the cash register taken and all papers removed from the safe during the night. The cash register was located by John Roether, Clarkson mail carrier, while making the rounds on the mail route. It had been thrown by the side of the road near the Joe Belohrad farm. Papers from the safe were dumped with the cash register, but $10.00 was gone. Night watchman, August Asche, was coming up the street while the men were also attempting to rob the Spanhake Implement building. When they spied the officer, they made their getaway in a car midst the gunfire of four shots from the night watchman's pistol. Mr. Asche states that he is sure that one shot hit the car.
March 20, 1942 - republished January 17, 1996
Dr. E.F. Filipe received a call to report for active service in the dental division of the U.S. Army. He cancelled all local appointments immediately and made plans to close his office and their home. Dr. Filipi has been given the rank of captain and has already received his commission.
Announcement of the death of Mrs. Ben Wolken, Sr. was a shock to everyone. In recent months she had enjoyed her usual good health and in company with Mrs. Helena Thaden had paid a birthday visit to Mrs. August Neuhaus. Returning to the home of her son, B.A. Wolken, she went about her customary pursuits and, as she made ready to retire, was taken ill suddenly. She failed to rally although everything possible was done for her relief. She remained in a comatose condition; death was caused by a cerebral hemorrhage.
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Blum of Clarkson are parents of a daughter, Janet Kay, weighing seven pounds and eleven ounces.
Heie Franzen has decided to quit farming and will sell his personal property at the farm. This sale will include all livestock and farm machinery. Mr. Franzen has reached this decision following the sudden death of his wife.
Boxing will be the sport at Creston High School for the following month. Twelve boys are practicing.
Basketball letters were awarded to these honored Creston players: Junior and Don Conyers, Willard Claussen, Melvin Settje, Harlan Sander, Louis Pieper, Jim Connor and Leonard Becher.
Another huge war project was assured Nebraska--an Ordnance plant to be located near Richland in Platte County, estimated to cost eventually more than $75,000,000. A telegram from the office of Senator Norris in Lincoln announced the authorization of the Richland TNT Plant.
Urban Imholte appeared at the Leigh Commercial Club meeting and asked for assistance in helping the American Legion by sending a Leigh junior high school student to Boy's State. The club voted to assist to the extent of $10.00.
It is our belief that the little robbery pulled off at Leigh is but a forerunner of thefts ahead. When people become desperate they lose all sense of right or wrong and the laws of decency.
DELIVERY NOTICE: In order to comply with the request of the government to conserve tires, we are asking all those who wish to have groceries delivered that they call before 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day so that all deliveries can be made simultaneously.--LEIGH GROCERS.
March 27, 1942 - republished January 24, 1996 (some repeated November 2, 2016)
A class of twelve young people, three girls and nine boys, will be confirmed by Rev. Walter Motzkus at St. John's Church. Members of the class are Marjorie Mackenstadt, Gladys Paper, Jeanette Hobel, Robert Held, Nordin Busse, Travis Stevens, Donald Jenny, Jack Jenny, Donald Nebola, Henry Hefti, Allen Schroeder, and Lawrence Gernstein.
Uncle Sam needs every gun, shell, tank, ship and plane that American War Industry can produce to win this war. It is of the utmost importance that every pound of scrap metal on the farms start moving now toward America's steel mills and foundries to make more war materials. Canvass your farm from the attic to the farthest fence corner. Gather every bit of old metal and bring it in to the Leigh pile--do it now before you forget!
Superintendent Alexis Johnson was at Schuyler conferring with the heads of other organizations with regard to high school boys who are available for work on the farms.
Dale Bachman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Bachman of near Creston, received first and second degree burns from a tractor. Dr. Eby was called to attend him.
Allen Sander, 19 years of age and youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Sander of Creston, has accepted an appointment from the federal government to study meterology as a government employee at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology at Cambridge, Massachusetts. He is a third year Midland student.
Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Stovall will move soon into the residence vacated by Mr. and Mrs. R.L. Barrett. Mr. Stovall will remain in Creston as Superintendent of schools next year.
Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Hobza of Howells moved to the farm recently vacated by Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Iverson.
Miss Maymie Vasek is leaving the first of the month for Columbus to accept a position as bookkeeper in the Central Naitonal Bank. She has been an efficient clerk at Smrz & Moeller for the past two years. Mrs. Dora Schluter will fill the position left by Miss Vasek.
April 3, 1942 - republished December 7, 2016
The Scribner Rustler reported that 60 acres of land in the Webster township sold for $2,400.
Mrs. Henrietta Froisted of Columbus was at Leigh Thursday, making arrangments for a class of instruction in citizenship. It is planned to conduct these classes at the school house in the evenings.
Nebraska has over 18,000 aliens, according to Mrs. Froisted. These are merely people who have failed to complete their citzenship papers, was Mrs. Froisted's comment.
It is planned to have an instructor come here regularly and instruct classes along this line so that all non-citizens can obtain their citzenship papers.
From the State Capital News, an appeal will soon be made to retired teachers.
Their services will be needed next fall if all Nebraska schools are going to have a sufficient number of instructors.
There are about 5,000 teachers in the state who can fill teaching jobs providing they will attend a summer school and earn nine hours of credit.
Indications are now that 1943 license plates will be only tags about four inches long and one inch in width with the year printed on them.
These will be attached to the plates car owners now have.
The size may later be altered but it is almost certain that new license plates will not be issued.
The family album of Henry McNally, of Rogers, former Colfax County Commissioner, is well filled with twins.
The Rogers man becamse the grandfather of twins on April 12 when two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth McNally, of Dayton Ohio. In addition he is:
The father of twin sons, Leo and Leonard; uncle of two sets of twins, Gerald and Harold Dowd, of Schuyler and Everett and Evelyn (Mrs. Louis Suntyck) Geiger, of Farwell; great uncle of Jerry and Terry McNally of North Platte; brother of a set of twins, Fred McNally, of North Platte and Mrs. Katie Higgins, of Atkinson.
Graduate Nurses are wanted. Nurses are needed by our Army, Navy and Marine Corps.
The Nebraska Bureau of Education and registration of Nurses believes that all eligible graduate nurses who are not practicing should, if possible, register now for active service and release younger nurses for military duty.
A special essay-type examination will be given in Lincoln on June 29 and 30 for nurses who graduated accredited schools prior to January 1, 1930, and who are voting citzens of Nebraska but have never registered as nurses in this state.
Those interested should write immediately to Carol L. Martin, Room 1110, State Capital, Lincoln. Completed applications must be received no later than May 29th.
April 3, 1942 - republished November 9, 1996
Defense stamps are being sold at Leigh Schools and the movement is gaining momentum reports Superintendent Alexis Johnson. Sales on Wednesday reached a total of $68.35.
A buyer of salvage will be at Leigh and scrap metal and other salvage should be brought to the Farmers Elevator where it can be weighed and the buyer will pay cash for the same.
People are then at liberty to buy Defense Bonds and Stamps, if they wish.
Robert Herink, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Herink, has been selected as the representative from the Leigh Public Schools to Cornhusker Boys State which will have its fifth annual session, May 23-30, 1942, on the campus of the College of Agriculture, University of Nebraska.
April 3, 1942 - republished December 14, 2016
Nebraskans use an average of 11 gallons of gasoline a week according to figures compiled by the motor fuel division.
This is based on 1941 car registration and gasoline consumption. What will be the result if gasoline use is held to three gallons a week per car? Informed sources, however now say that gasoline rationing for the Midwest will not be adopted at least until after the November election.
April 10, 1942 - republished November 9, 2016
Miss Olga Inselman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Inselman, became the bride of Staff Sergeant Edward Zuerlein, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Zuelein. The ceremony was held at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus on Easter Sunday.
Nearly seven tons of scrap metal, paper, etc., was salvaged at Leigh on Saturday "Salvage Day." The scrap material was paid for by Allen Dusatko, Clarkson junk buyer.
State selective service headquarters here says that the call for draftees will probably increase in the next few months and that if it does, farmers, industry and business will have to get along with less help or use more men and women not eligible for military duty. Occupational deferments in the future will be made only to men who are in critical defense jobs and can not be replaced by other persons with a reasonable amount of training.
April 17, 1942 - republished November 9, 2016
Because of the present war, widespread epidemics of diphtheria and smallpox may endanger our country.
In order to prevent such tragedies, the Nebraska State Department of Health, along with the Leigh Woman's Club is sponsoring a program whereby children of Colfax county may be vaccinated.
Physicians of Schuyler, Clarkson, Leigh and Howells will administer the vaccine to the children, in the respective towns, on May 5th, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. only. The location of the vaccination center for Leigh will be in the Leigh High School building.
Parents having children between the ages of six months and 18 years are urged to take advantage of the opportunity.
A fee of $1.00 will be charged to cover the cost of both vaccinations, including a test six months later to determine whether or not the diphtheria vaccination was effective.
Nebraska is to be without a full time lieutenant governor within the next few days.
The present one, William E. Johnson, has received a commission in the navy and will soon be reporting for active duty. For all practical purposes the speaker of the house, who happens to be Rufus M. Howard, will be next in line for the job of governor should he be absent from the state or incapacitated in any way.
April 24, 1942 - republished November 9, 2016
Miss Eola Mae Folken, of Schuyler, became the bride of Glenn Botsch of Leigh at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Schuyler on Sunday afternoon.
April 24, 1942 - republished November 16, 2016
The United States Coast Guard has an immediate need for a large number of men with certain types of training or experience.
The openings are for radiomen; cooks; mechanics for gas, diesel, and steam engines, avaiation mechanics and metal smiths.
Men between 17 and 35 with acceptable training will be eligible for petty officers' ratings and pay.
The prohibition forces are again at work. An initiative petition to make illegal the sale of any sprituous liquors, including beer of more than one and one half percent alcohol, outside of incorporated towns and villages has been filed with the Secretary of State. It is sponsored by the Allied Dry Forces of Nebraska. To get the proposal on the November election ballot the sponsors must obtain 42,000 signatures and have them on file with the Secretary of State before July 1.
Although no formal announcement has been made, word has come from the Ford Motor Company that it has developed an automobile tire which uses only a fraction of the amount of rubber which had been going into the regular tires. This is good news with the rubber shortage which forced the rationing of tires. Tests of the new tire are being watched with great anticipation.
Some portion of the Japanese shore at Pearl Harbor was wiped out when General MacArthur's airmen raided the Philippines for two days with 13 heavy bombers. They caught them napping and did a lot of damage to their shipping and land installations. The raids were carried out from Australia, some 4,000 total miles distance. Ten of the bombers needed to stop for refueling but the three Flying Fortresses could cover the distance without stopping. Such a vicorty boosts us up for the fight ahead.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Rynearson has been placed under quarantine regulations as their sons Larry and Rodney, are afflicted with the measles.
Two Colfax county students were among the 500 recognized for high scholarship and educational achievement by the University of Nebraska at its 14th annual convocation. Richard Gerald Folda, freshman in the College of Business Administration from Schuyler and Miles William Scholik, freshman in the College of Business Adminstration from Clarkson.
May 1, 1942 - republished November 16, 2016
The Leigh Board of Education has given their permission to close the public schools for two days to allow the teachers to spend full time on the sugar rationing registration for consumers.
The member of your family over 18 years of age who comes to register for your family must know the amount of white and brown sugar, in any form, owned by the family.
May 1, 1942 - republished February 28, 1996
By the terms of a deal closed last week, J.L. Byrum has sold his barber shop fixtures and business to Alva Dykes. Mr. Byrum has operated a barber shop at Leigh for 43 years.
The wedding of Miss Marcella Janda of Clarkson and Anton J. Prokop of Leigh was solemnized in the SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church at Clarkson. The bride wore a powder blue redingote with three quarter length sleeves and high neckline, a crepe off-the-face hat and beige sandals. Her shoulder corsage was of pink carnations and white sweet peas. She carried a white prayer book and a crystal rosary, a gift of the bridegroom.
Dancing and pie eating are legitmate war efforts. Here's proof: Nebraska City's youngsters used scrap metal as admission to a recent high school dance. Enough was secured to make, when mixed with iron ore, a 2,000 pound serial bomb and a 37 mm anti-aircraft gun.
Twins, a boy and a girl, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Otto Loseke, residing northeast of Creston. Owing to the condition of the girl baby, Dr. H.D. Kuper took the infant to the Lutheran Hospital of Columbus for treatment.
A windstorm of considerable proportions visited this part of the state and did some damage. Nearly every hay and straw stack had the top blown off. Many smaller buildings and additions to buildings were damaged.
BIG REUNION DANCE: Lakeside Ballroom, Clarkson; honoring thirty 1941 couples, with Popular and Old Time Music by Swing Band. Dancing is free, parking is 20 cents.
Further rationing orders are in the making. By the Fourth of July, folks will be talking about more things they want but can't get because of the war. The tire problem is far from satisfactory, but so will be that of many other commodities. Women's styles as well as men's clothing will be among the products on which government rules will be applied. Then will come a long list, including building and construction items not yet included. Women's shoes will be made more plain and men's pants must be without cuffs. New equipment for making "permanent waves" is becoming more scarce and will become scarcer. Even soaps may be made of different ingredients, with less glycerine and less vegetable oils from abroad. The war may last a long time and nobody yet knows how many of the things of use in ordinary daily life we may have to get along without.
May 8, 1942 - republished November 23, 2016
A total of 152 children were vaccinated at the Leigh schools on Tuesday for diphtheria and smallpox. In the afternoon 20 more were vaccinated at the offices of the local doctors.
A class of eight young epople will be confirmed by Rev. John C. Kaiser at Zion Lutheran Church on Sunday morning, May 10. In the class will be Delaine Blecha, Herbert Daniels, Duane Hoff, Gordon Hoff, Gordon Korfhage, Deloris Littelman, Norma Mullenhoff and Elmer Van Heufeln.
There were 580 people registered at the Leigh Public Schools the first four days of this week, for the sugar rationing books, according to Alexis Johnson, Site Administrator.
Miss Evelyn Ternus and Kenneth Loseke were united in marriage, Sunday afternoon, at St. Francis Church in Humphrey on Sunday. Presently they will make their home with his parents north of Creston.
There are eleven seniors in the graduating class this year, all but one of whom have received their four year high school education at Creston. Four members of the class live in town, seven live on farms.
Four of the class, Ruth Janssen, Geraldine Anson, Verla Larson and Virginia Ritter started to school in the first grade at Creston and have never attended any other school.
Other members of the class are Henry and Louis Pieper, Willard N. Claussen, Harlan Sander, Evelyn Brauner, Bernice Claussen and Doris Marx.
May 15, 1942 - republished November 23, 2016
For the week ending May 7, three certificates for tires and tubes were issued as follow: For truck, to Farmers Union Coop, Supply Co., by Joe Jirovec, Clarkson, 2 tires 2 tubes; for retread for passenger car to Henry Sellhorst, Dodge, 2 tires.
Two certificates for new passenger automobiles were issued to Edwin A. Novotny, Clarkson and to Joseph B. Bartes, Clarkson.
The balance quota for new passenger automobiles is three to May 31st.
Miss Mildred Neuahus was honored guest at a miscellaneous shower given at the clubhouse, Sunday afternoon, by Mrs. Herman Neuhaus of Creston and Miss Lillian Neuahus, of Omaha.
The following appointments were made at the Village Board by Chairman Hahn: J.O. Moeller, Village Clerk; Oliver Barjenbruch, Village Treasurer; Don Callies, Light, Water and Sewer Commissioner and Superintendent of the light plant; Kumpf and Spanhake on Light and Water Committee; Glandt and Smrz, Street and Alley Committee; Glandt, purchasing agent for Street and Alley Committee; Dr. C.D. Eby, Village Physician; Nick Widstrom, Assistant Light, Water and Sewer Commissioner, Street Commissioner and Village Marshal; August Asche, Night Watchman.
May 15, 1942 - republished November 30, 2016
Karl Steffan from Washington reports that once a week at 8 o'clock in the morning, a group of representatives and senators breakfast together.
They discuss ways and means of bringing back more Christian teaching to all people. They call themselves "The Breakfast Club."
It is one of about 100 such groups scattered throughout the country. The organization is growing rapidly.
The first club was organized in Seattle a year or so ago. Abraham Vereide of Seattle, organized the club here.
The discussions have revealed the feeling of need for greater return to the spirit of Christianity in the United States.
There are no membership dues and no money collection in these clubs. There is no publicity. There is no singing. Meetings open with prayer. The discussions are serious.
Twenty two will get diplomas from Leigh High School: Doris A. Albert, Elvira A. Asche, Harold L. Bausch, Verneta M. Church, Lavern G. Franzen, Rita F. Hogendorn, Robert W. Iverson, Florice M. Jenny, Elmer R. Kramer, Milan O. Loseke, Jean L. Meiselbach, Ralph J. Moran, Ruth H. Motzkus, Elda Mae Muhle, James A. Novak, Merlin R. Phillips, Doris M. Reichmuth, Naomi H. Staab, Thomas R. Trojan, Dennis L. Vlach, Harold H. Weaver, and Roland J. Wilke.
Class Motto is "By our own effort we hope to rise."
Miss Helen Cramer, local postmistress, has received word that the government wants stenographers and typists.
The requirements for these positions allow women stenographers, 18 years and older, who are American citizens and who can take dictation at 96 or more words per minute, to receive appointments in Washington, D.C., at yearly salaries beginning at $1,440 a year.
May 22, 1942 - republished November 30, 2016
Julius Zastera has accepted a position at a Columbus Bank, formerly he worked as the deputy county treasurer and also at the First National Bank in Leigh until it closed.
Lavern Franzen, with an average of 96.65 was the high ranking pupil in the class of 22 boys and girls graduated from the Leigh High School
Naomi Staab ranked second and Robert Iverson third. Franzen also received a Regents Scholarship awarded by the University of Nebraska.
Rationing officials announce that all local boards are now prepared to take applications for obtaining five pounds of sugar for canning pusposes. This application can be made.
David Milander met with the Board of Education from Leigh for a personal application for a teaching position.
After the interview the board voted to hire Mr. Milander at a salary of $1,250 for the 42-43 school year.
June 5, 1942 - republished November 30, 2016
Saturday from Memorial Day and for the first time that I can recall, the Leigh Post office was open for "business as usual."
Under present conditions world affairs meant more that day than Memorial day or a holiday. A sign at the Douglas Aircraft plant in Santa Monica, California, read "We Honor Our Dead by Working Today."
This act on the part of labor was also a tribute to the men at the front.
Fritz Ehlers writes his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Claus Ehlers, that he is employed as a welder in the shipyards at Portland, Ore., working on a regular shift from 4:00 p.m. to midnight.
After that he teaches welding to a class of beginners for three hours.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kucera of Verdigree, were supper guests, Wednesday, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. E.H. Farnsley.
Mr. Kucera was commercial teacher in Creston High School in 1941. The past year he has taught at Coleridge.
Mr. and Mrs. Kucera were married Wednesday morning at Tilden and were going to Denver to spend the summer.
June 12, 1942 - republished November 30, 2016 and December 14, 2016
A tax levy of $10,000 in addition to the state aid and free tuition money to be derived was the amount of money asked for by the taxpayers at the annual school meeting held at the school house on Monday evening.
This amount of money will be reduced to mills by the county tax-making body.
The tax levy is somewhat higher than in former years and this is due to the raise in salaries that the school board has found necessary in these times.
The census of the district showed a loss of seven children of school age, according to Henry C. Hooker, secretary of the school board who has just completed the annual census-taking.
June 12, 1942 - republished December 7, 2016
Four candidates made filing for county offices which they now hold at Schuyler last week.
They are Jerry E. Severyn, County Clerk; Arthur E. Wolfe, Commissioner Frist District; Louis J. Podany, Clerk of the District Court; and Lester Stone, County Assessor.
All of the candidates listed above are seeking re-election to the offices which they now hold subject to the primary.
F.J. Vogltance, who has held the office of County Superintendent for the past 35 years says that "Chooses not to run."
Vogltance writes . . . [Lengthy letter followed]
June 19, 1942 - republished December 21, 2016 and January 11, 2017
The Leigh Hatchery is giving many youngsters in this vicinity an opporunity to be in business for themselves through a poultry club.
The hatchery gives each child joing the club 30 baby chicks of the breed he prefers and 30 pounds of chick starter and a feeder. At the end of the summer six of each 30 chickens are given back to the hatchery on "Poultry Day." The poultry returned is judged by and expert and prizes are awarded for the winning chickens. So besides the profit from the 24 chickens the club member keeps, he also may earn considerable prize money.
This week showing at the Capitol Theatre in Madison is Abbot and Costello in "Rio Rita."
Spanhake Oil Company is paying 1c a pound for scrap rubber. Look over your place for old tires, tubes, or anything made of rubber.
Remember if enough rubber is taken in by the government, it may help to keep gasoline rationing away from this part of the country.
June 26, 1942 - republished December 14, 2015, December 21, 2016 and January 11, 2017
With news dispatches being promulgated through the press and the radio this morning requesting that all state and country fairs be deferred, patriotic citizens felt that the request should be complied with and accordingly the stockholders of the Colfax County Agricultural Society acquiesced to the government's wishes.
The motion made included only the year 1942 and should conditions lift themselves in the next year the Fair may proceed.
There was nothing further to do but adjourn.
The following stores will close their stores on Saturday, July 4th at 10:00 a.m. for the remainder of the day in observance of Independence Day. These stores will also open on Friday evening, July 3rd, so as to accommodate all customers. Patrons will kindly govern themselves accordingly: Hobel Brothers, Smrz & Moeller, Council Oak and Wolken Grocery.
Karl Steffan, of Norfolk filed this week for re-election as Congressman from this district.
Stefan is now serving his fourth term in the House, having first been elected in 1934.
Congressman Stefan is a member of the Appropriations committee, and due to his length of service is one of the highest ranking members. Because of this he is seldom able to leave Washington for any length of time and the voters will not see much of him during the coming campaign.
It was estimated that nearly 5 inches of rain fell last Friday three inches of rain fell during the afternoon and another two inches during the evening.
Several times during the rain the Main Street was a river and the water flowed from curb to curb.
July 3, 1942 - republished December 14, 2016, December 21, 2016 and January 11, 2017
Mr. and Mrs. Nels Nelson, of Superior, moved to Leigh last week and are occupying the house owned by the Farmers Cooperative Mercantile Company and formerly occupied by the Ed Korte family.
Mr. and Mrs. Nelson will conduct the cream and produce station heretofore conducted by Elmer Miller.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Daniels are the second Leigh family to have three sons in Uncle Sam's Army. Rev. John Daniels is a Chaplain in the Air Corps located in the Panama Canal zone. Fred Jr. is a private and is at Fort Riley, Kansas. Lester, who has made his home in Iowa for the past few years was inducted into the Army in Des Moines two months ago.
The other Leigh family with three representatives in the services is Mr. and Mrs. D.E. Tedord. Harold, the eldest is at Fort Sill, Oklahaoma; Sam is in Alaska; and Earl is in Hawaii.
Paul F. Leavitt, 19 year old son of the Rev. and Mrs. F.W. Leavitt, Leigh has enlisted as a flying student in the United States Naval Reserve and has been sworn in at the Kansas City Naval Aviation Cadet Selection board.
He was graduated from the Leigh High School in 1940, where he was a member of the basketball and softball teams and has attended Doane College two years, where he was on the basketball squad and an Omicron Delta Fraternity member.
He has completed the primary Civilian Pilot Training course and is now employed by the Bringham Flying Service in Crete.
The Rev. John C. Kaiser, pastor of Zion Lutheran Congregation, Leigh, has received a commission as First Lieutenant in the Armed Forces of the United States as a Chaplain. His application has been pending for three months.
He will report to Hopkinsville, Kentucky and his duties will be in connection with Camp Campbell.
Mrs. Kaiser and her daughter, Lois, will remain at Leigh until suitable quarters can be found at Hopkinsville.
Columbus and near by towns appear on the verge of a boom with the promised announcement of the largest war plant yet allocated to Nebraska.
The plant is to cost in excess of $3,000,000.00.
Previously it had been thought ready for building but was reported as going to Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Now, however with reports that DePont representatives have been making advance arrangements, the plant seems to be assured.
Binders and combines are clicking over Nebraska harvesting what promises to be the largest wheat crop in years.
Many points indicate that farmers expect an average of 30 bushels per acre where a few years ago there was no crop worthy of harvest.
An unusual casualty of the war may be the Nebraska State Fair. Board members have been instructed by Secretary of Agriculture Wickerd to hold fairs in the interest of agriculture but more recently transportation coordinator Eastman has requested that fairs be cancelled in interest of transportation conservation.
Iowa and some other states have already made the move.
A nephew on a cruiser in the Atlantic writes: "Please write to us. Letters from home make us feel so good." Uncle Sam is encouraging relatives of soldiers and sailors to write letters.
Playing at the Leigh Theatre this weekend will be "Birth of the Blues" starring Bing Crosby, Mary Martin, Brian Donlevy, and Carolyn Lee.
July 10, 1942 - republished December 21, 2016 and January 11, 2017
A total of 3602 books were circulated from the Leigh Public libary during the past year dating from May 1, 1941 to May 1, 1942, according to the report submitted by Miss Dorothy Hahn. "Keys of the Kingdom," by A.J. Corinin was the most widely read of the adult library books.
Of the magazines read at the library, "Life" is the most popular with "Good Housekeeping" coming in second.
To date the Colfax County sales of War Bonds totals $246,525.00 which does not include the sales at the Post Office.
Pvt. Edward J. Fisher, 23, son of Mrs. Josie Fisher, of Clarkson, Nebraska died Monday at the station hospital following a month's illness.
Born in Stanton county he attended school at Stanton.
He had been a member of an engineer battalion third armored division, since last December.
Survivors in addition to his mother are one brother, Joe, of Clarkson and four sisters, Blanch, of Omaha and Frances, Annie and Lily all of Stanton county.
July 10, 1942 - republished December 21, 2016
Miss Marjorie Hook, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Hook is making a mark for herself in her chosen profession. While at Creston she graduated with scholastic honors, she attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln for two and a half years and then transferred to the University Hospital in Omaha for nurses' training. Graduating as a registered nurse in 1940, she received her arts and science degree in 1941.
She elected to remain on the hospital nursing staff after graduation and has been promoted to supervisor. For some time she has combined five classes a week with nursing. She is currently studying at the University of Chicago where she has a federal scholarship which pays all expenses.
July 17, 1942 - republished December 21, 2016
Charlie Chaplin is back! The most famous star in the history of the screen...in a history making comedy based on the most vital topic in the history of the world. For three years millions have waited its completion. Now through the doors of the Leigh theatre they will come to see it.
July 31, 1942 - republished January 18, 2017
A.L. Cramer, representative of the Bakers Life Insurance Company of Nebraska, sold another farm this week when the sale price hit the ceiling at $101.00 per acre.
The farm is located two miles northeast of Pilger and contains 234 acres.
Miss Vera Lala, formerly of Creston, who was recently appointed assistant director of the Dartmouth University visual education department, became the bride of R. Haven Falconer, director of the same department at Dartmouth in a dual ceremony last week at the Falconer summer home at Lake George, Sabbath Day Point, New York.
The bride attended high school at Creston, graduated from the Wayne State Teachers College, and taught journalism, visual education and physical education in the Pender High School before accepting her present position.
The Red Cross is again requesting more garments from Colfax County. Surgical dressings have been asked for by the government, also children's pajamas, women's slips, dresses, rompers and knit goods.
August 7, 1942 - republished January 18, 2017
Housewives and homemakers are going to play a more important part in the scrap salvage program from now on. They will be called upon to save fats and grease and to turn in tin cans.
The procedure for saving tins is to cut both ends from the can, place them inside of the tin and step on the can to flatten it out.
Put the flattened can in a box and when it is full either take it to the salvage center or call the persons in charge.
Labels should be removed from the cans. To save grease put it in an empty jar and when a pound has been saved take it to the market with you and the grocer will pay you the fixed price which has not yet been established.
August 14, 1942 - republished January 18, 2017
The following Colfax County men reported for services: Daniel L. Novotny, Clarkson, Army; Harold E. Gerriets, Schuyler, Army; Edwin N. Christensen, Rogers, U.S.N.R.; Elmer F. Dasenbrock, Leigh, Army; Randolph J. Drahota, Howells, 2nd St. MAC,AUS.
August 21, 1942 - republished January 18, 2017
Miss Lietha Hunteman, a bride of the week, was honored at a miscellaneous shower last Wednesday afternoon at the home of her parents.
The affair was planned by Mrs. Walter Wendt and Mrs. Clarence Wurdeman.
Contests were enjoyed and a lunch was served at the close of the afternoon.
Willis William Decker, son of Mr. and Mrs. Willis G. Decker has been selected to undergo a course of training in naval radio work at the Naval Training School, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of Defense Transportation are urging farmers to pool together when carrying cream to town so that the cream can be delivered fresher and at a savings on the tires, gasoline and labor.
Instead of each individual farmer delivering their cream to town farmers pool together and take turns delivering the cream to town.
August 21, 1942 - republished January 25, 2017
Lietha Hunteman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Hunteman and Helmuth John Hake, son of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Hake of Columbus, were united in marriage at St. Paul's church, Wednesday afternoon.
Another wedding this week was that of Miss Leona Barjenbruch and Walter Morlok. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Augus [sic] Barjenbruch and she graduated from Kramer High School in Columbus, attended Wayne State Teachers College and taught at Dist. No. 23 for 5 years.
The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Morlok of Leigh, graduated from Concordia College in Seward and is teaching in a parochial school in Los Angeles, California.
Household hints includes this one about making coffee; always warm the pot before making coffee, then sprinke a little salt on the coffee before adding the boiling water. This will improve the flavor.
August 28, 1942 - republished January 25, 2017
Miss Elaine Tejkl won first and Grand Champion ribbons on her steer calf exhibited at the Platte County Fair at Columbus this week. Miss Tejkl won in competition with exhibits in the classification from Colfax, Butler and Boone counties.
Lavern Wurdeman won first and Grand Champion ribbons on his Hereford heifer at the fair. Both are members of the Blue Banner Baby Beef Club, of Leigh, of which W.C. Deichmann is the leader.
Five pounds of sugar must last 10 weeks. Stamp No. 8 may be exchanged for five pounds of sugar at any time during the ten-week period beginning August 23 and ending October 31. Consumers are being allotted a half-pound of sugar per person.
Hobel Brothers sales ad for school supplies includes: pencils, 2 for 5c; crayons, 8c; typewriter second sheets, 90 for 10c and art gum erasers for 5c.
Henry C. Barjenbruch has resigned from the Council Oak Stores to be inducted into the armed service. Franklin Fowler has been placed in charge of the store as manager. He was employed by the company before going to Lincoln to work at the airport.
Miss Leona Hunteman left from Columbus, Tuesday evening, for Flint, Mich. where she will resume her duties as a teacher at the Michigan School for the Deaf.
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Lake observed their twenty-fifth wedding anniversry at their farm home on August 16th when they entertained relatives and friends at a dinner.
About 40% of the state of Nebraska is ready to go on the fat and oil collection campaign, according to State Salvage Committee Secretary M.R. Caster. He said the Nebraska campaign to collect fats and oils for explosives would swing into action as soon as instructions and materials could be supplied to the states grocers and meat dealers. Housewives collecting the fats should put them in tin cans of one or two pound size, not in glass containers. When the fats and oils are delivered to the meat dealer or grocer a straight price of 5c will be paid.
The critical shortage of farm machinery in Nebraska was called to the attention of the War Production Board, the department of agriculture and equipment manufacturers by a series of telegrams the Nebraska State Journal dispatched to the Nebraska congressional delegation in Washington. Senator Norris reported back that the WPB officials said that the machinery actually allocated to the states by the manufacturers of machinery is low. It was based on volume of sales in 1940, a year when the state had poor corn crops and sales were low. Senators Norris and Butler promised all the help possible with this problem.
Two Guernsey breeders, Alex Rabeler, formerly of Leigh, Nebraska and Lawrence E. Liebers, of Lincoln, Nebraska have just won national recognition on a purebred Guernsey bull, Foremost Rising Star 189079.
August 28, 1942 - republished February 1, 2017
Harold Franzen left on Thursday of last week for Freeman, S.D. where he will teach in a parochial school. This is the second year at Freeman.
Leigh Public School has ten beginners this year: Jackie Joe Fajman, Donald Jimmie Walla, Calvin John Hobel, Carolyn Jean Hobel, Georgianna Bruhn, Marion Elmer Wurdeman, Jerry Edward Thalken, Virgil Dean Dykes, Charles Henry Risicky and Robert Edwin Callies.
Swimming race winners at the Community picnic were: Girls, 8 years and under - 1st, Maryjean Ritter, 2nd, Harriett Palmateer; Boys, 8 years and under - 1st, Bud Henke; 2nd, Larry Leach; Girls, 12 years and under - 1st, Carolyn Ritter; 2nd Carol Graham; Boys, 12 years and under - 1st Ronald King; 2nd, Dick Westcott.
September 11, 1942 - republished February 1, 2017
Roger Loseke, son of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Loseke, enlisted in the Navy at Omaha last week. He left Thursday, from Omaha for the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Illinois.
Charles Armstrong was in Omaha Tuesday, and enlisted in the Navy. He was accompanied by Harold Gernstein.
Dennis Held, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Held, enlisted in the Navy in Omaha last week.
Oscar Hall left Monday for Norfolk, Va., where he will enter the U.S. Naval Reserve as a machinist's mate, 2nd class.
Arthur Asche, son of Mr. John Asche, recently enlisted in the Navy.
Six wardens have been named and these men are taking first aid so that they will be qualified to take charge when a local blackout takes place.
The six wardens named are James Sedlacek, senior warden, and W.C. Deichmann, Oliver Fleming, Elmer Moeller, Anton Prokop and Ed Busse, junior wardens.
Snap, Crackle and Pop announce that "Rice Krispies Marshmallow Squares are Sweeping the Country." The quick easy recipe is on the side of the package.
In a Camel cigarette commercial a gentleman in the Air Force states, "In the Air Force they say "Dodo" for the new flying recruit, "Kite" for airplane, "Hit the Silk" for taking to parachute and "Camel" for their favorite cigarette.
September 18, 1942 - republished February 1, 2017
The first football game of the season is to be held Friday in Columbus at St. Bonaventure. A pep club was organized Tuesday evening with 26 members and Mrs. Elwin Langhoff is the leader.
Mrs. Maude Harms will direct the newly organized glee club. Twenty five girls make up this ensemble and they will rehearse twice a week.
September 25, 1942 - republished February 8, 2017
A bond drive Saturday evening brought in $399.50 when various business brought in goods to be auctioned and paid for with purchased bonds to boost the sale of bonds.
The Creston School News reports: Fifth graders are Patty Sander, Harriett Palmateer, Franklin Rosendahl, Larry Leach, Harold Larson, Delores King and Winton King.
In the sixth grade: Patsy Summers, Elwin Anson and Allen Settje.
In the seventh grade: Carolyn Jane Ritter.
And the eight graders are Mary Ann Pieper, Gerald Wardenburg, Harold Wardenburg and Richard Westcott.
Their teacher is Miss Margaret Valvoda.
October 2, 1942 - republished February 8, 2017
At the commercial club meeting they voted to get behind the scrap metal drive underway in the state and county by contributing $10.00 to the fund that will be offered as prizes to rural school districts.
A committee has been organized to handle the matter of recognizing the men and women of the community in the Armed Forces with a Christmas remembrance.
The next dinner meeting will be a contest between the east side members and the west side members.
The losers furnish the dinner.
A Christmas committee was organized and it was voted to lower the dues to 50c per quarter in light of funds already in the account of $92.21.
The street auctions and entertainment for the sale of Defense Stamps and War Bonds will be continued this Saturday evening and more prizes will be offered by the merchants.
The Creston schools will be closed Friday afternoon, October 23 and to be resumed Monday, November 9, which period will provide a full two weeks in which school children can help with the picking of the corn crop on the farms.
This information was given the Platte County USDO war board last week.
According to Supt. Marvin Stovall 70% of the school children come from the farms and this should help to alleviate some of the farm labor shortage.
October 9, 1942 - republished February 15, 2017
The following Colfax County men recently enlisted in the Armed Forces of the United States: Allen Ralph Kluck, Richland, Army; John Mack Dowd, Schuyler, Army; Robert Henry Baumert, Howells, Army; Robert F. Vanicek, Schuyler, Navy; Lester E. Ivers, Schuyler, Navy; George Sup, Clarkson, U.S.N.R.; Richard W. Motzkus, Leigh, Army; Allen Duane Moeller, Clarkson, Army; Richard G. Folda, Schuyler, Army; Milo F. Mejstrik, Howells, Army; Jack LeRoy Wolfe, Schuyler, U.S.N.R.; David Evan Bailey, Schuyler. U.S.N.R.; Chester Duane Armstrong, Leigh, U.S.N.R.
State headquarters, Lincoln, Nebraska, report of military credits alloted to this board of men who enlisted: Orville Warren Oberg, Schuyler, U.S.N.R.; Frank John Havelka, Schuyler, Army; Robert Clarles Zemanek, Schuyler, Army; Ramon Ward Little, Schuyler, U.S.N.R.; Gilbert Lawrence Koza, Clarkson, U.S.N.R.; Willis Willard Besley, Schuyler, U.S.N.R.
Hot lunches at Creston High School started this week with Mrs. John Logeman, Mrs. John Rosendahl and John Langhoff, the Creston Cooking staff.
Lunches this year will be five cents or $1.00 a month. The students are assured a well balanced hot lunch at noon.
October 16, 1942 - republished February 15, 2017
Over $1,000.00 in war bonds were sold Saturday evening, from the sale of articles offered by the merchants of Leigh. Top of the list was Carl Barjenbruch's bid of $150.00 for stock powder.
Reports from Washington is that the government may approve the manufacture of an additional one hundred million gallons of grain alcohol per year. That would mean the use of an additional 40 million bushels of corn or 36 million bushels of wheat each year.
October 23, 1942 - republished February 15, 2017
Several grandmothers gave informal talks at the Tea hosted by the Leigh Women's Club.
Mrs. Rabeler told of the rural school of 50 years ago, her story dealing with incidents at the Wilson school south of town. She mentioned pupils who attended the school and paid tribute to the teacher of that early day. Mrs. Joe Bridges told of the early churches, the Methodist and the Baptist, both of which were located in that same neighborhood. She named many of the families who attended each and told of the social life in connection with the churches and the school.
Mrs. Elizabeth Godge related her experience in the blizzard of "88" giving in detail a description of the great storm and of its devasating effects. Mrs. John Wullschleger Sr. told the story of her childhood in Switzerland, her girlhood and of the incidents which led to her coming to America. Mrs. D.J. Reynish who was the oldest grandmother in attendance, reviewed experiences of her girlhood which was spent in Illinois, touching on her school life and on the religous training given children at that time.
October 30, 1942 - republished February 15, 2017
Marriage vows were exchanged by Miss Laura Van Dyke and Corporal E. DeWayne Jansen at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Columbus, Indiana. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Van Dyke of Humphrey and the groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman F. Jansen of Creston.
November 6, 1942 - republished February 22, 2017
Gas rationing cards will be filled out November 12, 13 and 14. The rationing will be inaugurated on November 22nd and applications will be filled out at the school house.
We are complying with the government's request to cut the consumption of newsprint and have reduced the size of The Leigh World to that of a tabloid newspaper. This step has been taken by many of the newspapers in this and other states and we trust that our subscribers will bear with us in this patriotic move.
November 13, 1942 - republished February 22, 2017
Arnold Paulsen, the 19 year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. John Paulsen, received a dislocated hip when his team ran away on Monday forenoon. He was rushed to Omaha by his father and Dr. Kuper.
When the team started to run away young Paulsen jumped onto the wagon with which he was picking corn at the Paulsen farm. He was thrown from the wagon and a wheel passed over his body.
The war has taken a decided turn when it was announced this week that a second front had been opened by the Allied nations. The northern part of Africa is the scene of the second front and already the Allies have established a strong foothold. In fact much of the French possessions in Algeria have been taken and the armies are taking one stronghold after another. Firing is greatly diminishing on the Russian front and apparently Hitler is marching his troops to the newly established front.
The Junior Class Play will be presented Friday, November 20th at the High School Gymnasium. Characters in the play "Professor, How Could You?" are Ladean Korte, Priscilla Fowler, LeRoy Kumpf, Fern Kote, Lorene Bahns, John Wullschleger, Charlotte Eby, Ruth Korte and Merlin Sucha.
Miss Virginia Ritter came home from Hastings College, Friday everning. A week holiday during which the students are supposed to assist with farm work or defense work was declared by the college. The holiday is from November 6-16. Dr. and Mrs. W.J. Ritter and Dick drove to Columbus to meet her.
Gordon Hobel, former Leigh boy and Miss Ione Alice Marinec, former Clarkson girl were married in Yuma, Arizona. They are both currently from Chula Vista, California. Both of them are currently employed in the office of the aircraft factory.
Schuyler Milling Company is looking for a large quantity of seed to help fill out a carload order from an eastern buyer. At this time they are currently looking for all types of Clover and Alfalfa seeds. They are requesting that you bring in samples of the seed.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Mundil of Clarkson, observed their 60th wedding anniversary on Sunday.
Born in Czechoslovakia they came to America and located at Clarkson where they were married in 1882. They first engaged in farming and later moved to Clarkson where Mr. Mundil has been engaged in the insurance and real estate business. He served two terms as post master there under President Harrison's administration.
Mr. Mundil is 86 and Mrs. Mundil 80 years of age.
November 27, 1942 - republished February 22, 2017
The basketball outlook at Leigh is fair with two lettermen returning. In addition to the two lettermen there are several promising candidates, according to Coach Langhoff.
The lettermen are Gordon Fajman and Merlin Moran.
The promising candidates are John Glandt, Alvin Reichmuth, Rich Reichmuth, Donald Callies, Richard Lowe, Alvin Schluter, Allen Schroeder, Lawrence Gernstein, Gordon Hoff, Urban Imholte, John Wullschleger, Delaine Belcha, Henry Hefti and Merlin Sucha.
Pvt. George J. Orban, son of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Urban of Clarkson, Nebraska, has graduated from an intensive course in aviation mechanics and now is prepared to blast the Axis.
Sheppard Field, near Wichita, Texas, is one of the many schools in the Army Air Forces Technical Training Command which trains the specialist technicians who maintain our bombers and fighter planes in perfect combat condition.
November 27, 1942 - republished March 1, 2017
Fifty-three students in the grades and seventy-three in the high school joined the Junior Red Cross on Friday, November 20.
The program will consist of a "War on Waste" in rubber, paper and textiles.
It will include more than collection of salvageable material but also an attack on the causes of waste.
The Creston Senior Class play is entitled "Cross My Heart." Those taking part will be James Donnelly, Nora Kapels, Helen Kapels, Russell Wurdenburg, Harold Theilen, Eunice Prang, William Anson, Madena Decker, Melvin Sander, Evelyn Rosendahl, LeRoy Anson, Dorothy Busch and Gertrude Wiemer. Miss Curtiss will direct the play.
Bonnie Jean Callies, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Callies, was honored with a surprise birthday party at her home Saturday afternoon, on her eighth birthday anniversary.
Those present were Katherine Rosicky, Beverly and Jacqueline Kafka, Nadine Mrstny, Marcelle Prokop, Donna Rhae Hoff, Shirley Sumption and Marlene Schlueter.
December 4, 1942 - republished March 1, 2017
Leigh will have their first black out on Monday evening. It will take place at 10:30 in the evening and last for 20 minutes.
The warning siren will be indicated by straight blasts of the fire whistle.
These blasts will blow intermittently of about eight seconds for two minutes. The church bells are also to be rung.
When the fire whistle blows blackout your house and your place of business at once, either by turning or drawing shades so no light whatsoever is visible from outside.
Go to your "blackout" room, where the lights can be used provided they are not visible from the outside, or in your darkened room.
You may use your radio if the light from it is not visible.
Keep indoors.
Do not use your phone.
If you are outside go to the nearest shelter.
When the fire whistle blows a straight whistle for two minutes that will be the "all clear" signal.
Surrounded by their eight chldren and their families, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Weiser observed their 60th wedding anniversary at their country home south of Creston on Sunday November 22nd.
Mr. and Ms. Weiser were married in St. Mary's church near Humphrey on November 21, 1882.
The first three years of their married life was spent in a sod house and thus were among the real pioneer settlers of this community.
December 11, 1942 - republished March 1, 2017
Sylvia Stevens, former Creston girl and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E.A. Stevens, now a sophomore at Kramer High School at Columbus, was chosen queen for the Story Book parade held on the streets of that city on Friday.
On Monday night Air Raid and Police Wardens found one light in a basement home.
Here the electric lights had not been extinguished and the family could not be awakened by the wardens. In case this happens again it is likely that the electric wires will be disconnected.
Other than this one instance the blackout was very successful.
When the blackout takes place next Monday evening at 10:00 it is likely that planes will fly overhead and that bombs will be dropped. This was the information given by Prof. J.E. Simonek when he gave the local civilian defense workers their second lesson on Wednesday evening. It is when the planes spot lights that should be darkened that the bombs will be dropped. Instead of real bombs the planes will drop sacks of flour as a warning.
Do not be out in the open where the bombs can hit you.
December 11, 1942 - republished March 8, 2017
Earl Wendt was honored by the young people of the neighborhood who gathered at the Wendt home, Sunday eve, to help him observe his 14th birthday.
Present in addition to the honored guest were Eldon Bahns, Betty Best, Mercina Pimpara, Ludmilla Kasik, LaVern Deichmann, George Sayers, Robert, Eugene and John Herink, Gordon Wilke, Eugene and Rose Marie Grotelueschen, Palm Najman, Dorothy Muhle, LaVern Franzen and Oliver Mohnsen.
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Najman were also present and spent the evening with Mr. and Mrs. Wendt.
A pep club has been organized at the Creston high school with Helen Kapels as president; Dorothy Busch-vice president; Rene Petersen and Della Mae Summers-cheerleaders.
December 25, 1942 - republished March 8, 2017
Frank Cremers bought the Vaught Pharmacy from V.D. Vaught who has relocated in California. Mrs. Vaught has managed the store since July but will leave in January with her daughter Marjorie to join her husband.
Mr. Cremers has been employed in the store for eleven years and is a registered pharmacist.
Mrs. Hazel Lowe was chosen librarian of the Leigh Public Library at a meeting of the board of Friday evening. Mrs. Lowe has served as assistant librarian and takes the place made vacant by the resignation of Miss Dorothy Hahn.
Lee Loseke and Donna Binder were guests of honor at a farewell party given for them by their classmates, Thursday afternoon. The girls will attend school at Ewing where their family is moving on a ranch.
Neighbors and friends gathered at the Ted Engelbart farm two days recently and finished picking his corn. Mr. Engelbart had been ill for several weeks and still had 1,400 bushels of corn remaining in the fields.
The first day 9 teams and 22 men were in the field. On the second day there were 6 teams and 12 men on hand.
The women brought and served dinner to the corn pickers.
Members of the O.E.S. gave a handkerchief shower, Friday for Mrs. V.D. Vaught who will soon leave for California. The affair was given at the home of Mrs. J.D. Wurdeman.

Return to More Miscellaneous | Colfax County Home Page