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 3, 1952 - reprinted October 12, 2005C.A. Trofholz is now employed on the Columbus police force, having accepted that position some three weeks ago. “Sook ” says he likes his new position.
Mr. Trofholz is a former businessman of Leigh. After selling his interest in the Leigh Shipping Ass’n., he purchased an interest in the Loseke Tavern which he relinquished this fall. Mr. and Mrs. Trofholz plan on making their residence in Columbus.Mr. and Mrs. Reinhold Engelbart were hosts to a family supper on Christmas Day. Gifts were exchanged and the evening was spent at visiting.
Those present besides the hosts were Mr. and Mrs. Paul Theilen and LeRoy, Mr. and Mrs. Reinhardt Theilen, Betty Jean and Larry, Mr. and Mrs. Norbert Theilen, Phyllis and Glenn, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Hansen and Luella and Robert Engelbart.A public sale will be held at the Edw. Bahns farm on January 8, 1952, beginning at 12:00 sharp. Mr Bahns offers 21 head of cattle for sale, a bay team of horses, 275 chickens and some household goods, as well as a large number of pieces of farm machinery. There will also be 2 stacks of hay, seed oats and 2500 bushels of good ear corn. Mr. Bahns lives three miles east and two south of Leigh. Vasek and Vasek will auctioneer the sale.
On January 10, Harold Rahtz is holding a public sale at his farm located six miles south 2 miles east and ½ miles south of Leigh. Mr. Rahtz is offering 23 head of cattle, household goods, hay and grain and a large number of items of farm machinery as well as several small farm buildings as he has decided to quit farming.
If you are in the market for some good used farm machinery, be sure to attend these sales.Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Prokop, Sr. and Mr. and Mrs. Louis E. Loseke, Carolyn Ann and Jeanne drove to Lincoln Sunday to spend the day at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Prokop. The trip was made to bid farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Louis Prokop, Kathy and Kay, who were returning to their home in Aurora, Colo. after a holiday visit with Nebraska relatives in Lincoln, Dodge, Plattsmouth and Leigh.
Other visitors at the Prokop home Sunday were Staff Sgt. And Mrs. S.V. Allen, Steven and Sandra of Plattsmouth, Mr. and Mrs. Anton Prokop, Myron and Ronald of Dodge, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Kuhle of Lincoln.The new Plymouth for 1952 will go on display here and throughout the United States on Friday, January 4, Mid-West Motor and Implement Col, announced today
A long list of improvements-46 in all-have been incorporated in the engine, the brakes, the electrical system, the chassis, and to the inside and outside of the body.
The new Plymouth may be seen here at Leigh at the Mid-West Motor & Implement Co.
The Plymouth has a road–hugging, sweeping appearance, accented by changes in the external adornment. A new luxurious standard for interiors is attained with the high quality upholstery fabrics in harmonious colors which lend beautifully with the instrument and door panels.
There are ten body types in the new Plymouth line, available in an array of eight regular, and two special sparkling new colors. The traditional interior roominess and the many “high priced car” features for which Plymouth has been distinctive, have been retained throughout the new line.Mr. and Mrs. Carl Mullenhoff, Jr. entertained at a Christmas dinner on Wednesday evening.
Guests present besides the hosts included: Mrs. Alwine Mullenhoff, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Korte and Marjorie, Mrs. Donald Willman, Mr. Robert Hoskinson and Michael, Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Maliha and Donald, and Gladys and Charles Mullenhoff, all of Leigh; Rev. and Mrs. Bruno Holm and Ray of Thayer, Rev. Walter Holm of Curtis, Mr. and Mrs. Werner Johannes and Kenneth, and Ruth Korte of Columbus, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Osborn and Christine of Lincoln, and Dwain Freiberg of Stanton.Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Belohrad entertained at a dinner, Sunday, honoring Mrs. Lumir Stodola on her birthday anniversary.
Guests present were: Mr. and Mrs. Lumir Stodola, Mrs. Mary Belohrad and Miss Charlotte Belohrad of Clarkson, Mr. and Mrs. John Hyland, Jack and Sharon Green, and Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Belohrad and Gary.Mr. and Mrs. Harold Bausch and family were surprised on last Monday when Mrs. Bausch’s brothers and their families, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Fendrich and children of Gold Beach, Oregon and Mr. and Mrs Stanley Fendrich and daughter of Pistol River, Oregon , came to spend Christmas here.
Sunday afternoon and evening guests at the Adolph Nebola Home were Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Motycka, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Motycka, Allan and Shirley, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Nebola, and Mr. Milton Lueschen, all of Leigh, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Nebola and Ann of Cumberland, Iowa and Miss Delores Nebola of Thermopolis, Wyoming.
Delton Neuhaus, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Neuhaus, was taken to the Lutheran hospital in Columbus, Sunday where he is receiving medical attention for virus pneumonia.
On last Wednesday, the electric organ of the Zion Lutheran church was amplified as have been the chimes for some time and residents of Leigh are enjoying the many Christmas carols and Christmas hymns being played on the organ by Mr. Herbert Grabau. Mr. Grabau is an accomplished organist and his music is enjoyed by everyone especially during the Christmas season when he plays the familiar Christmas carols.
It is hoped that Mr. Grabau, who is also the parochial teacher at Zion School, will continue to render the organ music and chimes long after Christmas.Mrs. William Mastny of Schuyler was chosen “Rural Homemaker of the Week” by Radio Station WOW and she was interviewed by Mal Hansen, WOW Farm Director, on his Sunday morning program, “Sunday in the Country” on December 16. Mrs. Mastny is very deserving of this fine honor for being so active in community and county organizations. She served as County Chairman of Women’s Work in 1948-1949; is a member of the 4-H committee; a member of the school board; besides numerous other activities.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Osborn and daughter, Christine, escaped being injured on Saturday night when driving to Leigh to spend the Christmas holidays here when the car in which they were riding went out of control near Seward. Mr. Osborn, who was driving, reached in the back seat for an extra blanket for the baby and the car went toward the opposite side of the road hitting some short posts placed there for protection of a steep decline. The first post ripped off the car’s fender and running board and swung the car completely around causing the other side of the car to also hit the posts. The Osborns were unhurt but the car, an older model, was badly wrecked. Mrs. Don Willman and Miss Ruth Korte drove to Seward after the Osborns, bringing them to Leigh.
January 10, 1952 - reprinted October 19, 2005On Monday noon, the car driven by Art Ehlers was struck from the back, mashing in the trunk of the car, when Mr. Ehlers stopped suddenly on the street opposite the Leigh World office. Gordon Hoff, driving a D & H Oil farm transport was unable to stop due to the icy conditions of the street and the truck slid into the parked car.
On returning to Leigh from the basketball game in Howells on Friday night, the car driven by Miss Lorinda Van Heufeln and the car driven by Ludwig Kluthe figured in an accident at Howells. Miss Van Heufeln, who was parked facing west uphill, was unable to make the hill and was rolling back to the intersection of the street when the car driven by Mr. Kluthe came over the ill and because of the icy condition of the streets in Howells, was unable to stop and hit the Van Heufeln car. Both front ends of the cars were slightly damaged by the impact. Both had insurance.
County Judge Joe R. Broz issued 95 marriage licenses during 1951. This was four less than the 1950 total. However, there were no cancellations in 1951 as compared to three in 1950.
Divorce actions in 1951 remained the same as 1950. In both years nine actions were filed. Of the nine filed last year, two were dismissed, four absolute divorces granted, one separation granted and two cases are still pending.
In 1950 six were granted and three dismissed.Mrs. Gestine Depe, 81, resident of Platte County for many years, died at 11:15 p.m. Thursday at St. Mary’s hospital at Columbus, following several week’s illness.
Funeral services were held Monday at 1:15 p.m. at the Gass Funeral chapel and at St. Paul’s church, Creston. The Rev. W. Churchill officiated and burial was made in the St. Paul cemetery. The body laid in state at the Gass chapel from Sunday till the time of the services.
Mrs. Depe, a native of Germany, was born Jan. 21, 1870, daughter of Henry and Anna Vosa Wendt. In 1886 she came to America with her family and they settled in Colfax County, Nebr.
Her marriage to John Depe took place in 1892 at Christ Lutheran church, and to this union were born five sons and five daughters. The family resided on a farm south of Creston until 1923, when they moved to Colby, Kansas, farming there until 1938 when they returned to Creston.
At the time of her last illness, Mrs. Depe had been residing at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John C. Johannes, north of Columbus. Mr. Depe preceded her in death in 1940.
She was a member of St. Peter’s church of Creston, and the Ladies Aid of that church.
Survivors are: four daughters, Mrs. Theodore Lorenzen of El Reno, Okla., Mrs. Herman Becher, Mrs. John Johannes and Mrs. Richard Jantsen all of Columbus: two sons, Adolph of Page City, Kansas, and Julius of Colby, Kansas; 29 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.
Besides her husband, Mrs. Depe was preceded in death by one, daughter, Mrs. Paul Loseke; three sons, John F., and two others who died in infancy; two grandchildren; three sisters and one brother.A no-host dinner was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Julius Skoda, Sunday evening, the occasion honored Mr. and Mrs. Skoda on their wedding which occurred Friday.
Those present at the dinner included Mr. and Mrs. Skoda, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Hobel, Carolyn and Calvin, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hahn, and Mr. and Mrs. Ed Meiselbach.The unexplained disappearance of Jake Kohout, 75, resident of Schuyler, early Tuesday afternoon, caused one of the most thorough man-hunts in the Schuyler area in recent years.
The whistle blew at 2:40 a.m., Wednesday morning, when the family discovered that Mr. Kohout had not returned home.
According to the police, he left his home at 1:30 Tuesday afternoon to go cross-country to the Anton Kohout farm, where he has some cattle. He was not seen at the farm and has not been seen since.
The early morning searchers, about 25 of them, combed the area around the slough and Platte River, but could find no trace of the missing man.
Another party was organized by Sheriff Edward J. Patach later Wednesday morning and the ground was re-covered with no success.
Bus depots and trains were checked to make sure Kohout did not leave town.
Wednesday afternoon police authorities and volunteers poled the old Woods sandpit and the open water in the park lake, but could not find any clues.
The search was temporarily abandoned at about five o’clock.
To date, Mr. Kohout has not been found. The search continued throughout the week without success.The grand opening of the Memorial Hall now depends on the number of volunteer helpers who gather to finish the job they have so ably started. The furnace has now been installed and the hall can be heated for the workers. The plumbing is being installed and main bottleneck now seems to be the finishing of the floor and the reconstruction of the kitchen and lunchroom.
Since the holidays are over, Mr. Morfeld hopes that the work can be finished in the next two or three weeks unless weather conditions are extremely bad. That is, if we all pitch in and help.
The skates are in the process of being reconditioned and will be ready for use when the hall is finished. New wheels, bearings and rubbers are being replaced and the skates will be almost as good as new when replaced in use.Mr. and Mrs.Otto Hamann entertained at a birthday party at the clubhouse on Sunday evening. The occasion honored their daughter, Shirley on her 16th birthday anniversary.
Her classmates and friends present enjoyed an evening of games and dancing after which Miss Hamann opened her many lovely gifts. A delicious lunch was served at the close of the evening.Mrs. George Bruhn, Jr., president of the Leigh Woman’s Club, received word from the state department of the Nebraska’s Woman’s Club that Leigh ranked fifth in the state in their CARE FOR KOREA drive with their donation of $223.13.
The drive, sponsored by the Woman’s Club, took place in November, and of the clubs in Nebraska who have reported, the charitable people of the Leigh community made it possible for Leigh to rate fifth in this drive among all the other Woman’s clubs in the state.
January 17, 1952 - reprinted October 26, 2005Mrs. Otto Wullschleger is teaching the Glandt School this week, taking the place of Miss Norma Jean Hledik, who is suffering from a nervous breakdown. Mrs. Esty Sadler will take Mrs. Wullschleger’s place on Monday and will teach there until Miss Hdedik is able to return to her duties.
Mr. and Mrs. Eldon Nitz are the proud parents of a daughter born January 6th at the Lutheran hospital in Columbus. The little girl has been named Donna Kae.
Mrs. Alma Bahns was one of five persons to receive her Citizenship papers on last Thursday. Mrs. Bahns applied for her citizenship papers about a year ago and on Thursday she received her final papers much to her enjoyment
On Friday evening, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Reddel were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Grabau.
Marion Wurdeman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Wurdeman, spent from Friday until Sunday at St. Mary’s Hospital in Columbus, suffering from a severe cold. Marion luckily escaped pneumonia due to this medical help.
George Wragge of Howells, employed at the Auto Hospital, Inc. at Howells, reported that he went to Kansas City on Wednesday to see the new 1952 Buick. He came back on Friday with one of the new models.
Mrs. Alwina Mullenhoff and Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Maliha were dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Mullenhoff and family on Sunday.
Friday evening, Mr. and Mrs. Herman C. Sohl and children drove to Norfolk to attend the finals in the first six week Radio Talent Search plus Jimmy Morgan as M.C. with “Say It or Do It” at the Rialto Theatre in Norfolk, Duane Sohl, their nephew, was one of the contestants singing two songs.
More than 10,000 telephones have been added in 1951 in the 100 Northwestern Bell exchanges in Nebraska, raising the total to more than 215,000, according to L.O. Arstad, General Manager of the company. Of this number, over 21,000 are on rural telephone lines.
The Northwestern Bell central offices in Nebraska now handle over 32,400,000 telephone calls a month as compared with 31,325,000 a year ago. During this same period, long distance calls have increased from 738,000 to 834,000.
In keeping pace with the growing telephone requirements of Nebraska, the Northwestern Bell investment in telephone plants in the state was increased in 1951 from $51,350,000 to about $55,600,000.
Long distance telephone circuits have been added between many Nebraska cities and town, principally through installation of carrier equipment which provides more circuits over existing lines.
During 1951, the radio relay system which provides circuits for television as well as for telephone messages was extended from Omaha to the Pacific Coast completing transcontinental route. Also, telephone cable was place between Sidney and Alliance as part of a project which will provide 48 more telephone circuits between Sidney and Rapid City and which involves expenditures in excess of $1,000,000,000.
The number of Northwestern Bell telephone people required to provide service in Nebraska has increased in the past year from 3,100 to 3,500. More than half of the 400 gain has been in telephone operators who now number about 1,775.
At Creston, 9 telephones have been added bringing the total to 272. Of this number, 189 are rural phones. This speaks well for the farmer owned companies served from the Creston exchange. They are doing a good job in giving service to most of the farm homes in the territory they serve.Paul Gorman’s leg was broken Saturday evening, in a fall. He was going up a ladder to the barn loft to put down hay, when a cross piece of the ladder broke and he fell several feet to the floor. Both bones in his leg were broken, one just above the ankle, the other at the ankle.
He was taken to the doctor by Fred Gigaz and Alvin Claussen where the bones were set and the leg placed in a cast. He was brought home in the ambulance.Several families made moves this past week. They are:
Art Ehlers and family moved to a farm which they recently purchased southeast of Leigh.
Dallas Sander and family moved to the farm vacated by the Ehlers family.
Carroll Sander and family moved to the Oscar Sander farm.Mr. and Mrs. August Wiemer, Bob Wiemer, and Mr. and Mrs. Willard Claussen and Douglas attended the show in Humphrey on Thursday evening.
The Junior High Basketball Tournament began at Dodge on Monday night. The team made up of Freshmen and grade school boys traveled to Dodge and started off the tournament with a bang by eliminating Clarkson Junior High by a score of 26 to 24. The Leigh five were behind most of the game but rallied in the fourth quarter to come out the victors. Some fast playing in the last 20 seconds gave Leigh the edge.
Pilger and Creston played the second game of the tournament with the victor of this combination being Leigh’s opponent on Wednesday night.The American Legion Auxiliary met on Tuesday, January 8th at the home of Esther and Julia Nelson with Esther and Julia as hostesses.
The Auxiliary contributed $2.00 toward the “Little Red Schoolhouse”, which is for the Education and Scholarships of Orphans (an orphan, as designated to meet the Auxiliary Scholarship requirements, is a child whose father lost his life in service, but whose mother may be living).
We also donated $5.00 to the County Bingo Party, which is for the hospitalized veterans as entertainment in the Veterans hospitals in Nebraska.
We have received our cook books, and anyone who would like one-contact an auxiliary member.
The next meeting will be held on February 12th with Helen Cramer and Elaine Hspe as hostesses.Mr. and Mrs. Ladean Korte were hosts to a small gathering at their home on Saturday evening. Guests present were Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hoskinson, Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Maliha and Donald, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Asche and sons and Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Hake and family.
The evening was spent playing pinochle, with the high prize being won by Bob Hoskinson and low prize won by Mrs. Gordon Asche. A lunch was served at the close of the evening.Tuesday, Mr. Shaw, accompanied by Mr. Skoda, the local representative, insured the band instruments used by the Leigh Band members.
January 24, 1952 - reprinted November 2, 2005A pioneer Colfax County resident, Joseph T. Husak, died at St. Mary’s Hospital in Columbus, Saturday, at about 4 o’clock in the afternoon. He had been hospitalized since the latter part of November.
The Rev. John H. Patterson officiated at funeral rites on Tuesday afternoon at Svoboda and Son Mortuary at Schuyler, and at the Presbyterian Church. Burial was in Schuyler Cemetery with Acadia Lodge No. 34 in charge of graveside rites.
Pall bearers were L.F. Reinecke, W. B. Sadilek, A.R. Hetjmanek, L.F. Otradovsky, Joseph Cada, and Marion Donovan.
Joseph Amos Husak, son of Pancratius and Anna Smatlan Husak, was born in Moravia, July 20, 1858. He came to the United States in 1873, established residence in the Zion Community north of Schuyler.
On March 4, 1889, Mr.Husak married Josephine Rousar in Schuyler. They moved to Stanton County in 1898, where they farmed until moving to Schulyer in 1922.
Mr. Husak was affiliated with the Presbyterian church and Acacia Lodge No 34.
Mrs. Husak passed away Jan. 11, 1948. He was also preceded in death by one sister, Julia, in 1923 , and one brother, Frank in 1936.
Survivors are three sons, Miles of Julesburg, CO, Lumir of Leigh, and Joseph of Schuyler; three daughters, Mrs. Adelaide Perlik of Kent, WA, Olga, Mrs. J. C. Lewis of Yuma, AZ , and Miss Elsie Husak of Schuyler; eight grandchildren; one great grandchild, and one sister, Mrs. Anna Taborsky of Kent, WA.The Howells Journal and the Humphrey Democrat were printed last week on colored paper. The Journal being printed in green and the Democrat in yellow. Mr. Paul Busch, editor of the Howells Journal, stated that there might be several reasons why the Journal is being printed on green paper instead of white. But the correct reason is that they are out of white news print and must get along the best they can until their next shipment arrives.
Evidently this is the same reason for the Humphrey Democrat’s yellow paper issue too last week. We, of the Leigh World so far have enough paper on which to print several months issues and have been promised more newsprint to be shipped when we need it. But one never knows does one…maybe you will be receiving colored Leigh World’s too in the future if news print continues to be such a scarcity and almost prohibitive in price.Measles, a highly contagious disease, is taking their toll in Leigh the past few weeks. On Monday of the week, Terry Hespe was the only pupil to attend school in the 3rd and 4th grade rooms at Leigh Public Schools. Several pupils in the other three rooms and also the High School are also absent because of illness with measles.
The measles have already made the rounds at the Zion Lutheran School and their attendance is again on the upgrade.
Other contagious diseases in the community are chicken pox, scarlet fever and some diphtheria.The Leigh Volunteer Firemen were called to the Edgar Littelman home about 9:15 Sunday evening where a chimney fire which threatened their home was put out. No damage was caused by the blaze.
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Drahota were hosts to a buffet supper at their home on Tuesday evening in celebration of the birthday anniversary of Mrs. Drahota.
Guests present were: Mr. and Mrs. Phil Wietzel of Lindsay, Dr. and Mrs. Lloyd Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Hake, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Belohrad, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Cinfel, Mr. and Mrs. Leon Daniels, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Hejtmanke, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mortimer, and Miss Julia Hanel of Columbus, Wallace Barr, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rabeler of Dodge and Hulda Olson.
Following the supper, the guests drove to Norfolk for the evening.A voice recital was held at the Lutheran church basement in Creston, Sunday, under the direction of Mrs. Warren Churchill, Misses Ruth and Andrea Mohnsen and Carolyn Hobel of Leigh took part in the recital along with the Creston girls.
Those from Leigh who attended the recital were Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Hobel, Jeanette and Calvin, Mrs. Ed Meiselbach, Miss Dorothy Scrivner, Miss Alice Ahern, Miss Theresa Reichmuth, Mrs. Robert Stevens and Judy, Mrs. Harold Mohnsen and Mrs. Peter Claussen.Mr. and Mrs. Leo Schultz and family, who have been living on the Otto Hamann farm just north of Leigh, moved on Friday to a farm near Stanton. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Sloey and family are moving onto the farm vacated by the Schulz’s. Jack Sloey is an instructor and athletic coach at Leigh Public School.
The Lone Valley 4-H Club was organized at a meeting at the Otto T. Loseke home, Monday evening, January 14th.
The elected officers are Raymond Loseke, president; Richard Dasenbrock, vice-president; Larry Correll, secretary and Glenn Eisenmann, news reporter.
The club was divided into two parts, Swine and Beef.
After the meeting, lunch was served. The next meeting will be held on February 13th.Eighty friends of Archie Hake, who is spending a few days at home before reporting to the west coast for probable overseas duty, gathered at the Legion Hall Sunday evening for a farewell party in his honor.
A pot luck supper was enjoyed at 7:30 and lunch served at midnight. During the evening, those who wished played cards while the other danced.Bob Wiemer entertained a group of friends Thursday evening at a farewell party for Robert Ogan, who was home on furlough.
Cards were enjoyed during the evening. Refreshments were served after the games.
Guests included Mr. and Mrs. Bob Ritter, Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Samder, Mr. and Mrs. Myron Rosendahl, Mr. and Mrs. LaVern Went, John Boning, Dallas Sander, and honored guest, Robert Ogan.Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hogendorn returned home Monday night from Pueblo, CO where they attended funeral services for Mrs. Roy L. McCown of Pueblo, CO on Saturday afternoon. Mrs. McCown is a sister of Peter and John Hogendorn of Leigh.
The Leigh Boy Scouts under the direction of Mrs. J.F. Hubenka, March of Dimes Chairman for Leigh, and with the help of Mr. Alva Dykes, made a house to house canvass on Saturday to solicit funds for the March of Dimes Campaign. Also on Saturday evening, two Boy Scouts, Thomas Kumpf and Virgil Dykes took up the collection of March of Dimes monies at the Leigh Theatre, an active participant in the campaign.
Monies for the Polio fund is slow in coming in this year with only a few of the major organizations in Leigh donating toward the drive as yet. Because of the great need for more funds with which to help the increased number of polio victims, the campaign is being carried on the whole month of January instead of the latter two weeks as in other years. Leigh has had several light cases of polio in the past couple of years and although the “crippler” hasn’t struck hard or tragically as yet, one doesn’t ever know who will be claimed for his victim next. Give to the March of Dimes so that the polio victims may receive help when they need it. Half of the money remains in the county for use here if and when needed. The amount of money ready to be used will be determined by your generosity in this March of Dimes Campaign. Let your heart decide. give to the March of Dimes.
January 31, 1952 - reprinted November 9, 2005A public auction sale will be held by Ray Bakenhus at the farm located one mile east and 1 ¼ miles south of Leigh on Thursday, February 7, beginning at 12:30 sharp. Mr. Bakenhus has seven head of exceptionally good milk cows plus 3 steers, 2 yearling heifers and 2 bucket calves for sale at this time. Also listed for auction at this time are 77 head of hogs, 180 chickens and some farm machinery.
Mr. Bakenhus has been called into the service and will report for induction on February 20. Vasek and Vasek will auctioneer the sale.The first hatch of 1952 season will come off on February 5 at our local Hatchery. From now until early summer, the Leigh hatchery will be a busy place with a chick hatch twice a week for the many weeks ahead. But the early chicks are the real money makers. Remember the price of eggs last fall? And the earlier the chicks, the sooner they start to lay, letting the owner cash in on high egg prices.
Mr. Woodward, local hatcheryman, states that the eggs, hatched at the Leigh hatchery are from blood tests flocks that have less than 2 % reactors to insure their customers good livability in their chicks.A coroners jury decided on Monday that Jake Kohout, 74 year old retired farmer of Schuyler, NE., who had been missing since New Year’s Day, died from a self inflicted bullet wound.
His body was found on Sunday by children on the Schuyler city golf course.Among the chief topics of conversation in Stanton last week was the almost forgotten unsolved murder of Gerald D. Schroyer, formerly of Stanton, and a resident of Oakland, CA. at the time of the tragedy. The Oakland Post-Enquirer, one of the by city’s daily newspapers, called Editor Jim Corwell of Stanton on last Friday asking for information on the life of Mr. Schroyer before his life was taken while working in Oakland as a taxi-driver. Mr. Schroyer was apparently shot in the back of the head by a passenger who then rifled his billfold and fled the scene on June 16, 1948. The former Stantonite was one of five taxi-drivers who were murdered within thirty days and one of three killed by the same gun.
The Stanton Register Publisher procured the information wanted by the California officials and forwarded it…but whether there will be any success in solving the murders, Mr. Cornwell couldn’t say. Previous efforts to track down the killer had failed in the past four years of sleuthing.Mrs. Louise Hefti was featured on television last Tuesday evening as one of the contestants on the “Penny Auction” show. Her sister, Mrs. Max Mueller of Omaha also appeared on the show.
Mrs. Hefti was one of the lucky winners. She received six “Ship ‘n Shore” blouses, and $1.00 for them playing the song she suggested.
Mrs. Mueller, being the oldest married lady present that evening, received a list of prizes.E.E. Kauffold, chairman of the Dodge Chamber of Commerce good roads committee, was informed by letters written by Gov. Val Peterson that advertisements for bids on the construction of concrete pavement on Highway No. 91 from Junction with highway No. 275 west to Snyder will be published on March 20, 1952. The project had been placed in the 1952 budget and Mr. Kauffold, following an interview with the Governor by a delegation from Snyder, Dodge and Howells last summer.
Governor Peterson wrote that the Department knows of nothing at this time that will prevent construction during the 1952 season and he intended to see that the work was done.
Perhaps in the not too far future Highway No. 91 will be hard-surfaced past Leigh to No. 81.
Mr. Kauffold is the editor of the Dodge Criterion.It has been brought to our attention that some folks are violating one of our village ordinances in that they are discharging firearms within the corporate limits of Leigh. This can be and is a very dangerous practice and certainly the primary reason that the village adopted the ordinance.
Because of the extreme danger involved in the shooting of guns within a city or village, this law was made and should be enforced.
If every citizen in Leigh took it upon themselves to shoot their guns where ever and when ever they felt like it at any dog or rabbit that chanced to cross their yards, it would become extremely dangerous for the citizens to step outside their doors. Especially would the lives of children be endangered.
Pretty stiff fines have been imposed the past few years on those who have shot off firecrackers in Leigh. Isn’t it much more dangerous to shoot firearms in the village. No person, except an officer of the law in the discharge of his duty, shall fire or discharge any gun, pistol, fowling piece or other firearm within the corporate limits of Leigh, NE. so reads the law. This is as it should be. The penalty for this violation upon conviction , is a fine of not less than one dollar ($1.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100.00) and, in default of this payment the violator will be adjudged to stand committed to the village jail until said costs and fine are paid.
If folks like to shoot off their guns so well, the boys in Korea would welcome a substitute gladly. I hadn’t heard that there was an open season on dogs, rabbits and kids in Leigh and I don’t think there will be. Let’s leave the shooting of dogs and rabbits within the lawful channels of peace loving citizens.The Farmers Union Office at Richland was broken into again for the second time in three months, early Sunday morning of last week. The break-in was discovered about 9 a.m. on Sunday morning. The method of entry was the same as the previous one, the front door being pried open with a bar. However, the thieves weren’t as fortunate as before and although they punched the dial on the vault door with tools they found in the office, they went away again empty-handed. Nothing else was found disturbed according to Sheriff Edward Patach who investigated the break-in.
On the same night, two business houses in Monroe were robbed. Thieves broke into the K.D. Ziegler filing station also by prying the door open with a bar and after punching the safe took $94.20 in cash. The second place, The Monroe Grain-Alfalfa Company had a new adding machine purchased only the day before, a typewriter and a radio taken. The safe here was also opened but contained no money. Sheriff Herb Person and Deputy Frank Louis were called and an investigation is underway.
The Schuyler Sun stated that the Omaha authorities are holding man suspected of committing a series of robberies in this area and that on Wednesday, Sheriff Patach went to Omaha to question the suspect. It was just a little over a year ago that the Farmers Cooperative Mercantile Co., here, was entered and robbed.
February 7, 1952 - reprinted November 16, 2005Charles Mullenhoff, employee at the Leigh Shipping Ass’n., suffered broken bones in his left hand just below the little finger when he got it caught in the door of one of the company’s trucks. He was taken to Humphrey where the member was x-rayed and put in a cast where it will remain for several weeks before being removed.
Walter Folken filed personal application as a candidate for the office of County Commissioner 1st District on February 4, 1952, it was announced by James E. Kramar, county clerk.
Mr. Folken has been County Commissioner of the 1st District for the past 16 years, finishing his 4th term of 4 years each this year. In 1945, he and his wife moved to Leigh from his farm home where he has always made his headquarters.
Mr. James A. Budin of Clarkson has also filed for Commissioner of the 1st District on the Republican Ticket.
This district consists of Richland, Shell Creek, Wilson, Stanton and Adams precincts. The last day for filing for political office is February 21, 1952.Miss Janet Severin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Severin was honored on Friday night in celebration of her eighth birthday anniversary which occurred on January 31st. A beautifully decorated birthday cake highlighted the occasion.
Guests who came to help Janet celebrate were Mr. and Mrs. F.C. Severin, Mr. and Mrs. James Sedlacek, Sr., Mr. and Mrs.Otto Bruns, Mr. and Mrs. Herman C. Sohl and children, Mr. and Mrs. Fred W. Severin and Darlene, Mr. and Mrs. James Sedlacek, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Sedlacek and children and Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Sedlacek and son.
The evening was spent in watching television, visiting and playing cads after which Mrs. Severin served a delicious lunch. Janet received many lovely gifts in remembrance of the occasion.Nebraskans in 53 communities this month will notice that some of their retail stores are featuring window displays with an “anti-inflation” theme.
These displays are part of a concerted campaign to win the support of the buying public in the fight against the threat of inflation.
Figures prove that OPS has been an important factor in the leveling-off of prices. From the outbreak of war in Korea (June 1950) until the price “freeze” in January, 1951, the cost of living advanced alarmingly at the rate of about 1 percent a month. Since last February, when the stabilization program began to take effect, the cost of living has gone up only about 3% in an entire year.
But the danger isn’t over by any means. Defense Mobilizer Charles E. Wilson warns that “ the second year of defense effort is now beginning. In many ways it will be the most difficult year and the battle must be fought on many fronts”.
In line with Mr. Wilson’s prediction, OPS is making a strong effort to impress consumers with three ideas: To shop carefully, to pay no more than ceiling prices for goods, to save all they possibly can.The American Legion Auxiliary will meet on Thursday evening, February 7th at the home of Mrs. Elaine Hespe with Mrs Helen Cramer as co-hostess.
This will be an important meeting and all of the members are urged to attend. Please take note of the date as the regular date is February 12 and the meeting is being called early this month.The partnership formed by Merle E. Brown and Jerome ”Bud” Jenny at the business known as Hilltop Repair was dissolved last week when Mr. Brown bought the business interests of Mr. Jenny in a transaction last week.
Mr. Brown will continue with the business which he and Mr. Jenny took over the last week in March, 1951, offering the same services as heretofore done by the partners.Much absenteeism has resulted during the month of January most of which is due to the fact that measles has been contracted by many of the pupils of our school. The following were absent during the month of January for this reason: Leonard Asche, Gary Franzen, Jimmie Reick, Marlene Asche, Gail Vasek and Sharon Knight. We hope that no one else will be afflicted with measles so that we will again be able to resume our normal course again.
Mr. and Mrs. Ladean Korte drove to Columbus on Monday evening to visit Mrs. Laurence Maliha and baby daughter at the Lutheran hospital.
February 14, 1952 - reprinted November 23, 2005Mr. and Mrs. Emil Hoff and family have moved into the Watchorn house in east Leigh on Tuesday, occupying the apartment vacated by Omer Peterson and family who have moved to Norfolk where he has secured employment.
Other moves recently in Leigh were the Arnold Rahtz’s moving off the farm into the home they purchased in east Leigh. Mrs. Anna Johannes and Ellen now occupy the first floor apartment of the former J.R. Jenny home they purchased recently. Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Hake and girls now reside in the second floor apartment vacated by the Johannes”.Last week B.J. Cech bought the Harold R. Rahtz improved 160 acre farm located 6 miles south and 2 miles east of Leigh. Consideration was $36,800. Possession is given March 1st.
The deal was made by N.J. Kaiser and George Gerrard.Funeral services for Fred W. Trofholz, 78, retired farmer and service station operator, were held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Bideaux funeral chapel in Schuyler. The Rev. A.W. Clarke, pastor of the Schuyler Methodist church, officiated and burial was in the Richland cemetery.
The body laid in state at the Bideaux mortuary until the time of services.
Pallbearers were six grandsons, Earl, Jr., Charles, Jr., Clarence, Leon, Harlan, and Kenneth Trofholz. Miss Bozena and George Novotny were in charge of the hymnal service.
Mr. Trofholz, born Dec. 6, 1873, on a Colfax county farm north of Richland, was the son of William G. and Julia Kluck Trofholz. He grew up there and on March 2, 1898, he and Nellie Myrtle Morgan were married in Schuyler.
They established their home on a farm north of Richland where they resided until 1933. At that time, they moved to Richland where he operated a gas and oil service station.
His death, due to a cerebral hemorrhage, occurred at his home in Richland on Wednesday. He was preceded in death by his wife on May 4, 1951, and by his son, Fred, Jr. in 1942.
Surviving are six sons, Earl of Schuyler, Charles of Columbus, Cyril of Leigh, Elmer and Gene of Richland and Dale of Kimball; Three daughters, Mrs. Dean Binder (Irene) of Kuna, IN., Mrs. Willard Kunneman (Frances) of Richland, and Mrs. Roy Hansen (Mabel) of Waterloo; 31 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.At a specially called meeting known as “Charter Night” for the Leigh Lion’s Club which was presided over by Alan Dusatko, Zone Chairman of Clarkson, Nebraska, the members of the Leigh Lions Club and members of the Clarkson Lions Club met at the West Side Café.
The meeting was opened by Mr. Dusatko with the singing of the “National Anthem”. Rev. W. H. Clem gave the invocation which was followed by dinner being served.
Following a delicious meal, Mr. Dusatko, giving a short presentation speech, presented the Leigh Lions Club president, John A. Glandt with the bell and gavel from the sponsoring Clarkson Lions Club.
Ed Schnabel of Fremont, vice-governor of Lions Clubs in this District, gave the main address of the evening at which time he presented the newly organized Leigh Lions club with the Charter.
Each member of both Lions Cubs were then called on by Chairman Dusatko to give a short comment on Lionism. This was followed by the singing of songs. The meeting closed with the Rev. W. H. Clem leading the group in prayer.
Leigh was certainly glad to have the members of the Clarkson Lions Club as their guests at the meeting on Monday night. Meetings of this kind certainly tend to promote better public relations and friendship between the two neighboring town.
The Clarkson members who were in attendance were: Alan Dusatko, zone Chairman, Dr. T. C. Chudomelka, Jr., president of the Clarkson Lions Club, Chester A. Koza, sec’y-treas., W. J. Moore, C.A. Moore, Joseph R. Vitek, James R. Severa, Lambert C. Bos and Joseph Cakl.Mrs. Laurence Maliha and baby daughter returned home Wednesday fro the Lutheran hospital in Columbus.
Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Belohrad, Mr. and Mrs.Eddie Kafka and Mr. and Mrs. Lumir Stodola were Omaha visitors, Monday.
Mr. and Mrs. Orville Miller and son, Jon Roy of Spaulding spent Sunday and Sunday night at the hone of Mrs. Miller’s parent, Mr. and Mrs. John Wullschleger. Mr. and Mrs. Otto Wullschleger were also guests on Sunday afternoon. The Millers returned to their home on Monday.
Mr. and Mrs. F.C. Severin entertained at dinner on Sunday the following guests: Mr. and Mrs. John Serverin and James Sedlacek,Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. John E. Glandt were Lincoln business visitors on Tuesday of this week. Their daughter, Kristine stayed with her grandmother, Mrs. C.A. Trofholz.
Dinner guests at the home of Mrs. Anna Johannes and Ellen on Sunday were Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Timblin and family of Elmwood. Afternoon guests who joined the Timblins were Mr. and Mrs. Martin Reickert and family of Columbus and Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Johannes and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Ewald Moehnert, Linda and David and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Sohl of Madison were guests on Saturday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Herman C. Sohl and family. Mr. and Mrs. Sohl remained at the Herman Sohl's for the weekend, returning to Madison Monday.
Miss Twila Osten was guest of honor at a miscellaneous shower Sunday afternoon at St. John’s Church. The shower was given by relatives.
The large basement of the church was prettily decorated for the valentine season.
A program of guessing contests had been arranged and prizes were given to the oldest lady present , to the mother with the most children, to the one married longest, to the one whose anniversary fell close to the date of this shower, and for a door prize.
After the program Miss Osten opened her gifts which were arranged on a table on a platform at the end of the room. The guests were seated at long tables, and as a gift was opened it was passed down each table for each one to see.
Late in the afternoon, lunch of sandwiches, cake and coffee was served.
Twila Osten and Harold Larson will be married Sunday, February 24.Woman’s Club met at the home of Mrs. Orville Crocker Wednesday afternoon.
The meeting was very interesting. For roll call each member named a book she would like to read.
Mrs. Louis Boning gave an excellent review of the book, “The Left Hand of God”, by W.F. Barrett.
Refreshments were served.
February 21, 1952 - reprinted November 30, 2005Mrs. Anna Neuhaus was taken to St. Mary’s hospital at Columbus on Thursday morning after becoming seriously ill on Wednesday night. Robert Neuhaus took her to Columbus where she is recovering from a blood clot.
Mr. L.L. Loseke, who underwent a major operation at the Lutheran hospital at Columbus two weeks ago is still a patient there but getting along nicely.
Oliver Johnson entered St. Mary’s hospital at Columbus on Friday where he will be a patient there for about a week.
Mrs Walter Hahn was taken to the Lutheran hospital in Columbus on Friday for medical treatment and checkup. She is getting along fine.
Jerald Watchorn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bud Watchorn, was taken to St. Mary’s hospital at Columbus on Sunday afternoon. Jerald had the measles and became ill again with a set back requiring hospital treatment. Mrs. Watchorn remained at the hospital with him.
Mary Lou Burger was in Norfolk the most part of last week with her sister, Darlene, taking medical treatment there. Mary Lou had been seriously ill with the measles and the after effects of them and also with near pneumonia and has been receiving medical treatment because of the partial loss of her hearing senses.
Kenneth Gigstad returned home on last Wednesday afternoon after being hospitalized at the Lutheran hospital at Columbus where he had been very will with encephalitis ( brain fever or sleeping sickness) as a direct result of the measles. Although Kenneth is at home and getting along quite well, he is not allowed to walk for at least a week and a half as yet so that complete recovery will be gained. Kenneth is the son of Rev. and Mrs. Karl Gigstad of Leigh.
Donnie Machacek, eight year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Machacek, was taken to St. Mary’s hospital at Columbus about 3:00 a.m. Sunday morning when he lost consciousness about midnight. Donnie had had the measles and his illness is attributed to them. Donnie never regained consciousness until late Monday. At last reports he is getting some better.The Clarkson ballroom is being placed into readiness for the oncoming dance season. The entry bridge has been raised and rebuilt. A contract for the design and construction of a beautiful, multi-colored light ceiling as been awarded to the firm of Roether and Brabec. Plans are underway for the installation of modern rest rooms and a forced air heating system, late this summer.
The need for a doctor in Leigh is great as was exposed during our recent measles epidemic and every means available to us should be taken to induce a doctor to take up practice here. In all probability, the many children now suffering from the after affects of the disease would perhaps not be ill now if we had had a doctor readily available at our call.
The means we now have to employ to get medical care is a long drive to Columbus, Howells, Humphrey or Norfolk or wherever folks are fortunate enough to have the services of a doctor or doctors. When one is seriously ill, there is little joy in having to drive so far (and the trip seems longer when one is ill) to receive relief from pain or fever. Parents hesitate to take their children out in all kinds of weather when they have high temperatures or vomiting and many times a doctors care can not be employed when a crisis occurs. We need and would certainly appreciate having a resident doctor in Leigh.
But there are some necessities that cannot be bought with money…..the kind of money Leigh folks can afford to spend for this luxury. We cannot afford to build and equip a hospital though it may be small just as an enticement for a doctor to come to Leigh. If we should be fortunate enough to get a doctor who would like to practice here and make his home here, I’m sure folks would do all in their power to provide housing and office room for him and his family if he should have one. In past years, Leigh has had two doctors practicing at the same time here and they both were kept very busy for the territory is great for potential patients.
Perhaps it was our own fault for not showing our appreciation at having a doctor here when we had one…. Nevertheless, folks will not make that mistake again as we have suffered greatly for our lack of immediate medical care in many cases in the last year. Fortunately, no major accidents have occurred in Leigh or vicinity since Dr. Brummett was called into the army…and again I say we were just lucky.
However, our need for a doctor should not take precedence over our thinking. Some folks think we should not be thinking of spending our money for anything else including the new school project and concentrate our money into a sizable donation to entice a doctor to come to Leigh There is really no possible connection between these necessities. Yes, we need a doctor and so as greatly we need a new school. But neither necessity can take precedence over the other for they are not synonymous with the other. We have to concentrate on one project at a time. Without a new school. Leigh is a dead duck for whenever we stand still and don’t advance in living and thinking we slip backward. Without a doctor. we are always taking a chance of becoming a dead duck in cases of emergency. Maybe the answer is to build a school that can furnish a medical course too…anyway its an unlikely solution.
The Commercial Club has taken it upon themselves to try to secure a doctor. Letters have been written to the Nebraska Medical Ass’n., Iowa Medical Ass’n., Wyoming Medical Ass’n., Colorado Medical Ass’n., Kansas Medical Ass’n., Minnesota Medical Ass’n., for names of doctors who are available for placement in various towns. The Nebraska Medical Ass’n. declined to even answer our letter. However , the Minnesota Medical Ass’n gave the committee names of three doctors now stationed at Minneapolis. Geo. C. Kumpf, Gus Spanhake and Rudy Polenz have been placed on a committee to contact these doctors personally and a trip is contemplated to Minneapolis to interview them. Also a trip to Omaha is being planned by a group of businessmen to contact medical students who are graduating there this spring.
The Leigh Lions Club has also written numerous letters to doctors who they thought might be interested to come to the Leigh community. But there was no response.
However, the two clubs and other interested individuals are not giving up trying. The cooperation of everyone is asked in this matter.The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Maliha was baptized on Sunday morning at the Zion Lutheran Church with Rev. E.C. Werner officiating. She was given the name Nancy Lynn and the sponsors were Gladys and Charles Mullenhoff.
A baptismal dinner was served honoring the baby on this occasion and those present were Mrs. Alwine Mullenhoff, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Mullenhoff, Jr., Gladys and Charles, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Maliha and Joe, Jr., and Dwain Freiberg of Stanton.
February 28, 1952 - reprinted Dec. 7 2005Ray Bakenhus left last Wednesday morning from Columbus with a group of 22 young men from Platte County, for induction into the armed services. John Boning of Creston and Orvis Bakenhus of Leigh were also among the group of boys. On a card to his wife, Ray wrote that he was being shipped to Missouri as a member of the army but some of these boys were put in the Marines.
About 600 servings of hot coffee and Duncan Hines cakes were consumed on Saturday at Hobel Bros. Store. Serving began about 11:00 a.m. and continued until about 9:00 p.m. on Saturday evening. Delicious cakes made from Duncan Hines Cake Mixes and furnished by their representatives were served the many patrons and friends.
Mr. and Mrs. William Loseke were guests of honor at a surprise party given them at the Club House on Sunday in celebration of their 35th wedding anniversary.
A large number of relatives including their eight children were in attendance. The afternoon was spent at visiting and a lunch was served by the hostesses.Mrs.Harold McMullin, Mrs. Oswald Engelbart, Mrs. Charles Groteluschen and Miss Angeline Koch were hostesses to a farewell party, honoring Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hillen, Mrs. Ella Olson and Mrs. Hulda Olson and family at the schoolhouse of District 43 prior to their moving elsewhere.
Mr. Hillen has lived in the District for 50 years, Mrs. Millen for 36 years , and Mrs. Olson for 43 years.
About 85 people attended the farewell party recently.On Wednesday night, about 9:15 in the evening, the semi-truck owned by Elmer Wurdeman and driven to Omaha by his brother, LaVern, figured in an accident while LaVern was driving into Omaha on the 4-lane highway traveling up the long hill, was struck from the rear by a car driven by an Ashland man. The car, which was traveling at a fast rate of speed, in some way hit the back of the truck with the broadside of the car and bounce away again. The driver of the car received a severe cut on the side of his head and was badly shaken up.
Two sheriffs watching from the foot of the hill saw the Ashland car when it passed them and following came upon the scene right after the accident happened, taking the hurt man to the hospital. There was slight damage to the Wurdeman truck.On Friday afternoon, the John A. Glandt car was badly damaged when Mrs. Glandt, who was driving south, had the unfortunate occasion to turn it over on Shell Creek hill. Mrs. Glandt had pulled to the side of the road when she met a car and after the car was met successfully the right front tire hit a large clod of dirt in the road. Instead of the tire going over the clod it merely pushed it along in the soft shoulder of the road also preventing the car to return to the hardened tract in the road. When the clod finally skittered to the side, the car veered to the left side of the road causing it to roll. About $600 damage occurred to the car but Mrs. Glandt was much more fortunate…she didn’t even receive a scratch or cut.
After the accident occurred, she called her husband from the Bauman farm. They were able to drive the car back to Leigh under its own power.On Wednesday of last week, the Democratic friends of Alan Dusatko, attorney at Clarkson, NE., filed his name as a Democratic candidate for Congressman from the third district. Congressman for this district is now being held by Robert “Bob” Harrison, who was elected to fill the vacancy created by the death of the late Karl Stefan who held that congressional seat for the past 16 years.
Mr. Dusatko is the only Demorcatic aspirant for the Congressional seat and will run against the Republican nominee, Bob Harrison of Norfolk.SS. Cyril and Methodius church of Clarkson was the setting of an impressive wedding ceremony Saturday morning, February 23rd when Miss Rita Malena, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Malena, became the bride of Frank Barta, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Barta of Howells.
The double ring ceremony was performed by Rev. Clement Kubesh in the presence of a large number of relatives and friends. The organist, Miss Dorothy Evert, accompanied Miss Dorothy Novotny who sang” On This Day Oh Beautiful Mother” preceding the ceremony and “Ave Maria” during the offertory. The parish choir, of which the bride is a member, sang the nuptial mass. Warren Schlautman and Gene Petricek, cousins of the bride and groom, served as acolytes.
On the arm of her father who gave her in marriage, the bride appeared in a gown designed with a bodice of hand clipped imported lace onto which was gathered a bouffant skirt of nylon tulle with a cathedral train. The yoke was of bridal illusion around which was a pleated ruffle of net which extended over the shoulders. The entire gown was fashioned over a thin layer of blush pink net, giving a soft cast of the lace and nylon tulle. The bride’s circular veil of imported silk illusion was held in place by a tiny helmet cap of lace and trimmed in seed pearls. She carried a prayer book arrangement of tissue pink camellias. The mother of pearl prayer book was a gift of the groom.
A shell pink gown was worn by the maid of honor, Miss Gladys Novotny, a friend of the couple. It featured a full net double skirt and a pleated bodice of nylon tulle, topped by a cap sleeved lace bolero.
The bridesmaids, Misses Donna Barta, cousin of the groom, and Lorraine Lauda, a friend, wore French lilac gown styled in the same lines as that of the maid of honor. Anita Petricek, a cousin of the bride, as junior bridesmaid, wore shell pink. Each wore a braided tiara of matching tulle in her hair and short lace mitts completed their costumes. All carried colonial bouquets, shaded from pink to lilac, with a deep purple center. The bride presented her attendants with rhinestone bracelets and scatter pins.
Rudolph Molacek, cousin of the groom was best man, and the groom’s attendants were Wayne Bath of Auburn, a close friend, Allan Petricek, cousin of the bride and David Malena, brother of the bride.
For her daughter’s wedding, Mrs. Malena wore a rose dress with navy accessories, and the groom’s mother’s dress was of plum color, with black accessories. Each wore a carnation corsage.
A dinner and reception were held at the Howells Parish hall and refreshments preceded the dance which honored the couple that evening at the Howells Ballroom. For the wedding trip to the southland, Mrs. Barta chose a navy suit with lavender accessories, and a camellia corsage.
The bride attended Clarkson High School and has been teaching rural schools the past three years. The groom, a graduate of the Howells schools, is engaged in farming with his father north of Howells.
March 6, 1952 - reprinted December 14, 2005M.C. Phillips, manager of the Farmers Cooperative Mercantile Co. suffered a heart attack on Wednesday evening of last week. Mr. Phillips, who with his wife, had gone to Omaha to attend the state lumberman’s convention being held there, passed out completely at the hotel where he was staying just after he and Mrs. Phillips had sat down to eat. After he did not improve satisfactorily over the night, he was taken to the Methodist hospital there for hospitalization and medical treatment on Thursday of this week. However, he will not be able to resume his regular duties at the Farmers Mercantile Co. for several weeks. Mrs. Phillips remained in Omaha with him.
Mrs. Walter Hahn, who was taken to the Methodist hospital in Omaha two weeks ago from St. Mary’s hospital at Columbus, is recovering nicely according to reports from visitors at Omaha. Mr. Hahn is staying in Omaha with her while she is hospitalized there.
Mrs. Anna Neuhaus, who was seriously ill with a blood clot a few weeks ago has recovered nicely and will leave soon for the state of Washington with her daughter where she will make her home for some time.
Mrs. Frank Trojan, who had severely burned her right foot three weeks ago when she spilled hot lard on it, was taken to St. Mary’s hospital at Columbus on Sunday where she will have some new skin grafted to the injured member.
The Trojans had butchered and Mrs. Trojan was just finishing the rendering of the lard and had taken the last pan of it off the stove when the accident happened. Dr. Robert McGee of Howells was called for medical treatment.The Peoples’ and Citizens’ Caucuses were held simultaneously at different places at the Village hall on last Tuesday night. At the Peoples’ Caucus, Henry Littelman was the Chairman with Frank Cremers as secretary. Placed in nomination for trusteeship for the village of Leigh were Frank Cremers and Emil Motycka. Esty Sadler was nominated for the position of police judge.
At the Citizens’ Caucus, Edw. Korte was Chairman and N.F. Lowe was secretary , Gustave Spanhake and Leonard Hobel were nominated as incumbents to fill the positions they now hold and which terms expire this year. Ray Olson was nominated as a candidate for Police Judge which position he now holds.
However, Mr. Olson has declined to run again and the nominating committee selected to fill all vacancies, Mr. Adolph Hobel and Mr. Art Marty, have placed the name of Otto C. Weber as a candidate for Police Judge.Miss Betty Stoklasa of Clarkson was selected as Princess Howells at the Princess Howells contest conducted at the Howells Ballroom on Tuesday. She will compete for Princess Nebraska at the Oak Ballroom on March 13. Miss Pat Moody of Cedar Bluffs won the title of Princess Schuyler at the Schuyler contest.
The judges for the Schuyler contest were Floyd Paul, Fremont, Mrs. Helen Cramer, Leigh, and “Juke” Byers of David City. In competition at Schuyler were Bernice Svec, Marian Shonka, Mary Pat Burtak, all of Schuyler. Marlyce Rhea of Rogers and Nadeine Kmacman of Abie.
Other girls who entered the contest at Howells. were Velda Held, Dolores Bruns, Marilyn Henke, Agnes Herink and Florence Herink all of Leigh, Frances Brdicko of Clarkson, Shirley Ann Kasik of Omaha and Arlene E. Hegemann of Howells.
Princess Howells was also selected Clarkson Pancake Queen and also county 4-H Queen. Each contestant was presented with a wrist corsage and a jeweled necklace. Miss Stoklasa was given a beautiful loving cup and a banner saying “Princess Howells”.Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Fuhr of Leigh, are the proud parents of a boy born last Tuesday at the Lutheran hospital in Columbus. The little lad weighed 7 lb. and 2 oz.
Arnold Leo Hespe, son of Wm. Hespe of Leigh, was a Mid-semester graduate of the University of Michigan. Degrees were conferred on 1,457 graduates at the close of the fall semester. Among these were Arnold Hespe who received a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Arnold went to Washington D.C. upon his graduation.Relatives gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Bruns on Sunday in celebration of their 22nd wedding anniversary which was on the following Tuesday and also in celebration of Mrs. Bruns birthday anniversary which was also on Tuesday.
The guests enjoyed playing cards and visiting followed by a tasty lunch served by Mrs. Bruns.
Those present were Mr. and Mrs. F.C. Severin, Mr. and Mrs. Herman C. Sohl, and children, Mr. and Mrs. Fred W. Severin, Darlene and Diane, mar. and Mrs. John Severin and daughters, and Norma and Dolores Bruns.A surprise supper was given at the home of Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Severin on Thursday night honoring them on their 48th wedding anniversary. A special feature of the meal was a beautifully decorated anniversary cake topped with the numerals 48.
Present were their children and their families: Mr. and Mrs. Otto Bruns and Delores, Mr. and Mrs. Herman C. Sohl and children, Mr. and Mrs. Fred W. Severin and Darlene, Mr. and Mrs. John Severin and daughters and Gus Schlueter. The evening was spent at visiting and at a late hour Mrs. Severin served her guests lunch. The honored couple received several nice gifts in remembrance of the occasion and when the guests departed for their home they wished Mr. and Mrs. Severin many more happy years together.Relatives and friends gathered at the Loup River Cabin in Columbus on Friday night, to help Elmer Loseke celebrate his birthday.
The evening was spent playing cards after which a lunch was served to all guests present.On February 23, the All-Star 4-H Club held their organization meeting at the Victor Olson home.
The following officers were elected. President, Victor Olson, Jr., Vice-president, Willard Went, Secretary-treasurer Clinton Johannes, and News Reporter Myron Franzen. Other members present were Reuben Olson, Ronnie Went, Keith Johannes, Morton McMullin, Larry Bonner, Marvin Kurpegeweit, Donald Franzen and Leon Severin. Our leaders are Victor Olson, Sr. and Clarence Johannes.
After we received our record books and charts, the meeting adjourned. At this time the hostess served a delicious lunch. The club is still open to new members. The next meeting will be held at the Morton McMullin home.
Myron Franzen, News ReporterMembers of the Presbyterian church have put in a busy two weeks repairing, sanding and refinishing the basement floor, cleaning and rearranging the cupboards, and making new curtains for all of the windows.
March 13, 1952 - reprinted December 21, 2005Eugene Duane, born to Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Hoessel in February is the Hoessel’s second child. Dorothy Ann, his three year old sister, and Eugene are blessed with nine living grandparents.
Their grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Wm Brock of Creston and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hoessel. Great grandparents include Mrs. Anna Brock, Mrs. Anna Wullschleger of Leigh, Mrs. Sophia Hoessel of Columbus and Mr. and Mrs. Jake Ditter, Sr., of Monroe.
It is quite unusual for any child to have so many grandparents that are living.Relatives and friends gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Nebola, Sunday, to help Adolph celebrate his birthday.
Those who came in the afternoon were Mr. and Mrs. Emerson Cernin and son, Emerson, Jr., and daughter, Mrs. Donald Nebola of Clarkson, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Motycka, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Nebola, and Mr. Milton Luechen of Leigh.
In the evening they were joined by the following friends: Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hamernik, Mr. Frank Hamernik, and Mrs. Bertha Wahl and Walter.
The guest helped serve a delicious lunch both in the afternoon and in the evening. Cards were played and visiting was enjoyed. All departed at a late hour wishing”Barney” many more Happy Birthdays.Anton Odvarka, publisher of the Colfax County Press, was a visitor in this office on Friday morning. This was Mr. Odvarka’s first visit to the Leigh World since your editors had taken over the paper here and his presence on Friday morning was a pleasant surprise. After visiting for perhaps a half hour, Mr. Odvarka returned to Clarkson.
Henry Oldigs is holding an auction sale on Monday, March 17 as he is quitting farming. Mr. Oldigs offers 42 head of cattle and 50 head of brood sows along with his farm machinery and other items.
The sale will be held on his farm 3 miles south and one mile east of Leigh on the Richland-Stanton highway.
Brian and Conyers are the auctioneers and the Bank of Leigh will clerk the sale.The Howells Journal stated that “a large number of local children” are suffering with measles. This disease seems to be very severe this year and some of the little tots who are ill have been out of school almost a month.
At Creston, an epidemic of chicken pox is keeping a number of primary children out of school. Creston youngsters are also ill with measles.
Here at Leigh, the measles epidemic is finally running its course. However, the flu bug is hitting a large number of folks. At one time last week, there were 19 students out of school suffering from the flu which is striking with severe sore throats, bad colds and cough.A daughter, Karleen Margaret, was born to Rev. and Mrs. Karl Gigstad on Monday at the Lutheran hospital at Columbus. The little miss weighed 8 lbs and 10 ozs. Two brothers and one sister welcome her at home. Rev. Gigstad is the pastor at ST. John’s Lutheran church of Leigh.
The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Henke was baptized on Sunday morning during the regular church services held at Zion Lutheran church. Rev. E.C. Werner officiated at the baptismal ceremony.
Sponsors for the little girl were Miss Darlene Henke and Donald Rahtz. She was named Judy Lynn.The annual drive for Boy Scout Funds will be held on Monday or Tuesday of next week. Walton Tipton has been appointed as Chairman of this drive. The Boy Scouts are sponsored by the Leigh Commercial Club of Leigh and in the past few years the boys have been very active in Scout work. There are nearly 30 Leigh boys that are Boy Scouts and recently they were reorganized into the various troops.
Two of our scouts, Carroll Lowe and Dick Jirovec, who have attained the rank of Eagle Scouts, were guests at the State Capitol at Lincoln. Their report to the Commercial Club was most interesting.
Harold Bausch is the present Scout Master, taking the place of Tony Prokop two years ago.
It’s your donation that made the Scouts possible. Help to make our boys good citizens..keep them interested in Scouting.The Leigh Maple Valley Club held its first meeting of the year Wednesday at the Stepan home.
We held an election of officers. Otto Imholte is president, Loretta Stepan is vice-president, Ronald Korecky is secretary. Our leader is Donald Trojan and our assistant leader is Anton Stepan. We decided to raise calves and hogs. We received our record books and club manuals. We then worked on the judging contest in the Hoard’s Dairyman. We adjourned and a delicious lunch was served by Mrs. Stepan Adolph Stepan, News ReporterThe 41st wedding anniversary which was on Febr. 14, was celebrated by Mr. and Mrs. Joe Cisler on the following Monday evening when relatives and friends gathered at their home in remembrance of the occasion.
Those who came to help them celebrate were: Mr. and Mrs. Anton Novak, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Hermes, Mr. and Mrs. Joe M. Svoboda, Mr. and Mrs. James Lapour, Mrs. Frances Kadlec, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Prokop, Mrs. Frank Kafka, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Zdenek, Mr. and Mrs. Lambert Brabec and family, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Pospichal and Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Pospichal and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Cisler were wished many more happy wedded years together by the guests who spent the evening socially after which a lunch was served by Mrs. Cisler.Adolph Vasek entered the Lutheran hospital in Columbus on Thursday and underwent a minor operation on Friday.
Mrs. Glen Barr and son, Johnny of Denver, Co. arrived in Leigh on Saturday for a visit at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Vasek. On last Saturday Johnny Barr was admitted to the Lutheran Hospital in Columbus, being ill with the flu. Mrs. Barr remained in Columbus with her son.
Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Belohrad and Gary and Mr. and Mrs. Lumir Stodola were Sunday dinner guests at the home of Mrs. Mary Belohrad in Clarkson.
Miss Linda Bade returned to Schuyler Sunday after spending a week at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Henry and Judy. Mr. and Mrs. Henry and Judy took her home on Sunday afternoon.
March 20, 1952 - reprinted December 28, 2005Funeral services for Robert Gene Ritter, aged two, were held Sunday afternoon at the Presbyterian church in Creston.
Though it has a large seating capacity, the church could not hold the many sorrowing friends and relatives who came from far and near to express their sympathy to the saddened family. Flowers and Memorials from all the departments of the church in which the family was active, from the American Legion, and other groups and from relatives and friends banked the altar.
Rev. Hal Schenck, who was present at the child’s death, spoke words of hope and comfort to the bereaved young parents.
His text was Song of Solomon 6:2 “ My beloved has gone down into the gardens to feed in the gardens and to gather lilies.” His words to the grief stricken family came from a sincere mind and an aching heart.
At the short services at the W. J. Ritter home, Maryjean Ritter sang” Jesus Loves Me’ by request of Gene’s parents, and at the church a male quartet, Arthur Anson, William Anson, Everett Craig and Rev. W. Churchill sang requested hymns. Rev. Churchill, pastor of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, also sang a solo.
Pall bearers were LaVern Went, Caroll Sander, Dallas Sander and Myron Rosendahl. Burial was in the Creston Cemetery.
Gene Ritter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ritter was born November 16, 1949 in a Columbus hospital and had lived his short life in Creston. He was baptized in the Presbyterian Church. Brief though it was, it was a happy life. He knew no worry, he was seldom ill, and his few months on this earth were full of happiness. He was a delight to all his friends and family and life was pleasant, for he was loved by all who knew him.
Thursday, while enroute to Madison to visit his grandparents, Gene was riding in the back with his mother. In some manner the door opened, and the child fell through the open door and was thrown against a cement guard post. The door was locked and how it came open no one knows. In front were Dr. and Mrs. W. J. Ritter who were going on to Norfolk.
Gene was taken to the office of Dr. Garner where he lived for an hour, never regaining consciousness.Miss Ellen Feye, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Feye of Creston, who attends Kramer High School of Columbus, has been announced the winner of the $100 “valuable student” award, given the Columbus lodge of Elks.
The students were judged on awards won, offices held, activities participated in, school grades, and character references. Miss Feye stands first scholastically in her class of 134 seniors.
Miss Feye also received an additional award of $100 dollars for being judged the winner in the Northeast District of Nebraska.Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Heitz entertained at dinner, Sunday in honor of Baltz Heitz on his 81st birthday, which occurred on Friday.
Places were laid for the honored guest, Baltz Heitz, Mrs. Mildred Kafka and daughters, Mrs. Dolores Wurdeman and family, and hostesses, Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Heitz and son, Eugene.SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church of Clarkson was the setting for an early spring wedding on Wednesday when Miss Rose Ann Molacek, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe R. Molacek of Clarkson, became the bride of Pvt. Gerhard Huismann, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Gerhard Huismann, Sr., of Leigh. Rev. Clement Kubesh performed the double ring ceremony before immediate relatives and friends.
The bride was attractively attired in a crepe suit of golden tan with which she chose black accessories. Her corsage was of yellow roses and she wore a rhinestone necklace, a gift of the groom.
Mary Ann Huismann, sister of the groom, was Maid of Honor. She was attired in a navy blue gabardine suit with matching accessories. Her corsage was of pink carnations. A set of pearls was her gift from the bride.
The groom was attended by his brother, Harold Huismann. Both the groom and his attendant wore dark suits with white carnations boutonnieres. Harold received a tie as his gift from the groom.
A six o’clock wedding dinner was served the immediate relatives at the home of the bride in the evening. Pvt. and Mrs Gerhard Huismann, Jr., left for Omaha on Thursday for Fort Lee, Virginia where he is now stationed.Private Joseph M. Fichtl, 23, son of Mr. and Mrs. Josef Fichtl, Leigh, and Private Gordon T. Koch, 22, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Koch, Leigh, have completed Army Basic Training conducted by the 3rd Armored Division at For Knox, Kentucky.
During the sixteen weeks of intensive training, they received instructions on General Military Subjects and had practical work in various combat skills including the firing of basic Army weapons-the M-1 rifle, carbine, .45 pistol and grenades.
As prospective tank crewmen, they received special training in tank crew platoon tactics and in driving of Army wheeled and tracked vehicles.
They entered the Army on September 28, 1951.A spelling team consisting of three Leigh High School youths, Theresa Reichmuth, Virgil Dykes and Alan Polenz defeated a similar team from Dodge, NE. sponsored by the Dodge hatchery which is under the management of Mr. Anton Prokop, formerly at Leigh.
The spelling contest is staged over radio station KFAB three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays. The Leigh hatchery under the ownership of Mr. and Mrs. W.S. Woodward also participated in the contest, officially sponsored by the Gland-O-Lac Company.
Winning the spelling bee via telephone against a five-time winner Dodge team, the Leigh speller again defeated a similar St. Edward team on Monday, by a score of 8 to 6. On Wednesday, they will try to out-spell a team from O’Neill. Good luck kids! And we’ll all have our radios tuned to KFAB on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. to hear the outcome.Mrs. Annie Busse, 76, pioneer resident of Leigh, passed away on Tuesday evening at the Mory’s Haven Home at Columbus where she has been making her home.
Funeral services will be held on Friday at the Homes Funeral Home and at St. John’s Lutheran church with Rev. Karl Gigstad officiating.