I REMEMBER...60 years ago
From the files of the "Aurora News"
2005
- January 5, 2005 - The stork paid its first visit to Hamilton County on New Year's Day at 3:10 in the afternoon leaving a 7 pound baby girl, Dorothy May, with Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kliewer of Hampton, Mrs. Kliewer being the former Agnes Koop of Aurora.
Another corn husking bee was held last Wednesday at the Roy Ackerson farm northwest of Aurora, when neighbors not only finished husking the corn, but also did numerous other jobs about the place.
- January 12, 2005 - State Senator Lester H. Anderson of Osceola this week purchased the Aurora Hotel and will take possession April 1. Senator Anderson is an experienced hotel man and recently sold his hotel property at Osceola. The Anderson’s have moved to Aurora but will only spend the week ends here during the legislative session. Ed McCormick has been clerk of the hotel for a number of years and will continue.
- January 19, 2005 - Mr. and Mrs. John Shaneyfelt of Central City and formerly of Aurora received a telegram from the war department on Tuesday morning advising them that their son, Ensign George Shaneyfelt, 23, is missing in action.
"If you have to have your house too warm today, you may have a cold house tomorrow," says the War Price and Rationing Board to the people who have oil furnaces. The Petroleum Administration advises the local board that the supply of oil is still as critical as it was during the original shortage period in the winter of 1942-43. The individual who burns oil must stay within his ration week by week if he wants to be safe, the local board is warning.
- January 26, 2005 - F.E. Edgerton of the Hamilton County Farms Company stated Thursday noon that the Farms Company would run several carloads of wet ear corn through their drying plant during the next week. "A careful check of the amount of gas used to dry the corn and the labor involved will be kept so that a per bushel cost can be established," said Mr. Edgerton. Mr. Edgerton is of the opinion that by putting a large volume of heated to about 150 degree through the drying rooms that it will only take 24 hours to bring the wet corn down to the desired moisture content. This is much faster then hybrid seed corn can be dried because the germination would be damaged.
Marie Nielsen of this city received a telegram from her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Robert Nielsen of Billings, Mont., Saturday, stating that the formers son, PFC Robert Nielsen, is a prisoner of war in Germany. PFC Nielsen was reported missing in action in Germany on Oct. 6 and no further word had been received until the card came to his wife, under date of Nov. 26.
- February 2, 2005 - Harvey Klippenstein, 20, of Henderson, member of the John Thieszen irrigation well drilling crew, was electrocuted at 12:10 last Friday noon on the Gus Troester farm two miles south and three and one-half miles east of Aurora, as the derrick of the drilling machine which was being raised came in contact with the electric wires along the roadside.
Dr. Harold Edgerton, son of Mr. and Mrs. F.E. Edgerton of Aurora, is credited with developing the most powerful flash-photographic equipment in the world. Dr. Edgerton recently returned from England where he supervised installation of the flash camera units in the A-20 squadron.
- February 9, 2005 - Mrs. Lester H. Anderson is this week announcing the opening of a beauty shop in the Aurora hotel, to be known as the Hotel Beauty Shop. Mrs. Anderson is an experienced operator and, since the Andersons have purchased the hotel, they have moved to Aurora from Osceola.
Mrs. Nels A. Nordland the former Clara Malster, received her masters degree in nursing in graduation exercises held Wednesday at Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.
- February 16, 2005 - Three Burlington freight cars got away from the switching crew in the freight yard Tuesday morning just after eight o’clock. The cars hit the cinder bank at the northeast corner of the freight house but were only slowed up by the impact. The first two cars were empty, but the third was full of coal. The three cars remained hooked together with the two empty cars going right out across the pavement towards the front door of the Aurora hospital, coming to a stop about two feet from the curb.
- February 23, 2005 - Seventeen neighbors of Mr. and Mrs. Rex Goethe complete the job of husking their corn last Monday, Mr. Goethe has been shelling corn all fall and winter when the weather permitted, which kept him from husking his own corn. Neighbors, in appreciation of the fact that Mr. Goethe left his own corn stand in the field to go out and shell their corn so that it could be marketed, went to the Goethe farm and completed the husking job.
Pfc. Robert Jones, former manager of the Hested Store in Aurora was killed in action on Luzon in the Philippines, according to word received Thursday from Hested headquarters at Fairbury. Jones volunteered for army service and was accepted June 17, 1941. He served as manager of the store at Sutton before coming to Aurora.
- March 2, 2005 - The State-Federal Division of Agricultural statistics, Lincoln reports the original figures on Nebraska corn production with a total yield in Hamilton County of 5,264,660 bushels. The total yield in Nebraska was 329,855,000 bushels.
Headquarters, 13th AAF, Southwest Pacific: First Lieut. Virgil Blasé, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louie Blasé, Hordville was presented the Air Medal at an advanced 13th AAF Liberator Base in the Moluccas. He was presented this award "for his meritorious achievement while participating in sustained operational flight missions in the South Pacific. As a pilot on a B-24 heavy bomber, Lt. Blasé has completed more that 40 missions over Yap, Palau, Balikpapan and the Philippines. He has been flying in "Bomber Baron" formations since May 28, 1944.
- March 9, 2005 - Members of the Aurora School Board tendered the entire teaching staff of the Aurora school system a renewal contract for the 1945-46 school year at the present salary schedule. The board members studied a wage report submitted by the state department for various schools about the same size as Aurora. This report shows the wages paid teachers in the Aurora school system to be equal to or above the prevailing scale in other schools.
Pvt. Marion McCarthy, with the infantry in Germany, was wounded in action on February 10th according to a message received by his wife from the war department on Tuesday. The extents of his injuries were not revealed, but the wire stated that a letter would follow. Pvt. McCarthy is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. T.F. McCarthy of this city.
- March 16, 2005 - Members of the fire department were called to the Earl and Gust Zavgren home on the east part of town at about 2 o'clock last Saturday morning after a fire was discovered in the chicken house. Some damage was done to the building and the 40 hens were lost by smothering, with few exceptions. Fortunately, a neighbor awoke in the night and saw the fire, notifying the Zavgrens and the fire department immediately, otherwise great damage to other building close by would have resulted. No insurance was carried on the chicken house. T/Sgt. John Sanderson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Sanderson, formerly of Marquette, has been awarded the Air Medal for "courageous services" in aerial flights in the southwest Pacific.
- March 23, 2005 - Sheriff A. L. Andrews and Chief of Police, Otho Anderson this week are notifying all places of business in the county who handle tobacco, of the state law which provides a penalty for selling tobacco to minors. Minors are all persons under the age of 21 years. The law also provides penalties to minors who misrepresent their age in purchasing tobacco, and provides a penalty if minors are caught smoking. Local officers announce they will prosecute all violators, both dealers and minors.
The annual meeting of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce was held on the Legion Hall last Monday evening. Six directors were elected to serve for two year terms: Herbert Parris, Earl McConaughey, Millard Jones, Dr. A. G. Zuspan, Walter Hudson, and Edwin Wall. L. T. Johnson was elected to serve a one year term to fill a vacancy. Holdover members of the board are L.E. Chambers, Arild Ericksen, James Christensen, Lyle Shaneyfelt and Arthur Grosshans.
- April 6, 2005 - Easter marked the beginning of a new pastorate in the local Christian Church, when the Rev. Claude Breidenthal delivered his first sermon in the church, although he arrived on Thursday and presided at the Holy Communication services held in the Christian church that evening, and participated in the Good Friday union services.
First Lieutenant Maurice E. Medaris of Aurora recently was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service in combat on the Fifth Army front in northern Italy. Medaris is a member of the 403rd Field Artillery Battalion of the 85th "Custer" Division. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. Austin Medaris live on Route 1, Aurora.
- April 13, 2005 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt passed away in his sleep Thursday afternoon at his Warm Springs, Ga. home. Death was said to be due to a cerebral hemorrhage. Mrs. Roosevelt, in a message to her four sons, said he slept away the afternoon at Warm Springs. He did his job until the last. Mrs. Roosevelt summoned Vice-President Truman and notified the secretary of state.
The Aurora Volunteer Fire Department was called to the S.L. Boyden home at 1409 8th Street about 11:30 Wednesday evening when a fire of unknown origin burned out a window casing in an upstairs bedroom. One of the Boyden children was sleeping in the room when the fire was discovered. Mr. Boyden smothered out the flames with a blanket but the fire had burned the window casing, making it necessary to call the fire department. The loss to contents of the room was slight. F.E Edgerton, owner of the residence stated his loss was covered by insurance.
- April 20, 2005 - A report received by J.W. Hudson of Aurora, chairman of the Hamilton War fund from Walter F. Roberts, executive director of the United War Fund of Nebraska, Inc., shows that Hamilton County contributors gave a total of $10,045.42 in the 1943 and 1944 War Fund fall campaigns.
Pfc. Wm. Titman has been wounded in the leg in action in Germany, according to a letter from him Thursday by his brother Ed.
- April 27, 2005 - Mrs. S.N. Powers of Hampton, one of the county's eldest pioneer settlers, passed away near the noon hour on Sunday in Omaha where she had been taken only four weeks ago.
Again Aurora High School's music students show in their usual top spot in competition at the District Music Competition. Rating superior in individual numbers were LaVerne Larsen, Earl McCollum, and Robert Nielsen, all in boys medium voice: Don White, low voice; Mary Chambers, Alice Rae Mason and Pamela Tudor, girl's high voice. Dan Tyson rated excellent in boy's medium voice. Bonnie Ulm rated good on a piano solo.
- May 4, 2005 - Kiddies, this is your opportunity to enjoy a free matinee at the Mazada Threatre on Saturday afternoon, April 28th, 1945 and to help the European Relief Old Clothing Drive. Bring at least 10 lbs. of clean, wearable clothing to the theatre on Saturday afternoon where there will be facilities provided by the committee for weighing and Mrs. Schoonover will give you a free matinee ticket.
- May 11, 2005 - The Seventh War Loan Drive in Hamilton County opens Monday, May 14th and closes June 30th. According to P.J. Refshauge, county chairman, Nebraska's assignment is the biggest and toughest yet, and tis primarily based on individual sales. "E" bond sales for the state are $43,000,000 in the Sixth drive.
Harold A. Sanderson has been liberated from a German prison camp, according to a cablegram received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Sanderson of Central City, and formerly of Marquette. The cablegram which came last Thursday from Harold stated that he was fine and would be home soon.
- May 18, 2005 - James L. Sanders and Lloyd W. White, both 17 years of age, from Kansas City, who were being held in county jail and charged with the theft of the L.E. Chambers automobile were caught in the attempt to break out of jail last Wednesday afternoon by Mrs. Lyle McConaughey, wife of the deputy sheriff.
Several rural teachers and their pupils have visited the News Register office this week as a part of their closing activities.
The Danielson farm, consisting of 148.4 acres located 2 miles west and 6 1/2 miles north of Aurora was sold at referee sale last Tuesday to M.J. Ferguson, Marquette banker, for $61.50 per acre.
- May 25, 2005 - To give the people of Hamilton County an opportunity to learn more of actual war conditions, the Lester S. Harter Legion Post is sponsoring a program at the Hampton auditorium on Saturday evening. James White of Aurora, who spent 34 months in a Japanese prison camp in Manila following the fall of Corrigedor will tell of his experiences.
Sgt. Merle Otto in a letter to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Otto, dated May 5 said "Today our battalion was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation by our division commander Gen. Laun. It is the highest award that can be given a unit. It was for meritorious action from Dec. 16-18, during the German break through Belgium.
- June 1, 2005 - Seven Hamilton County men were among those congratulated by Lt. Gen. James H. Doolittle who assumed command in January 1944. Those commended include Cpl. Wilbur H. Ott, Donald F. Chaney, Staff Sergeant Robert W. Hall, Tech Sergeant Robert W. Henthorn, Tech Sergeant Richard Dale VanPelt, Staff Sergeant Robert L. Tyler and First Lt. Wm. E. Moberly.
Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Mapes of Phillips have received word that their son, Lt. Leonard F. Mapes in Germany, that his squadron was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for meritorious achievement in the European War.
Seven people are dead and two missing as the result of an explosion due to an electrical storm at the Cornhusker Ordnance plant located in Grand Island last Saturday. None of the many workers from Aurora were among those killed or injured.
- June 8, 2005 - Mr. and Mrs. Harry Reab of Giltner received word from the War Department Tuesday evening, June 5, that their son, Pvt. Lyle Reab, reported missing since November, was killed in action on Nov. 9 in Germany.
Rev. and Mrs. A.J. Rich, accompanied by seven boys and girls, will go to Polk Sunday afternoon where they will spend next week at the Intermediate Junior High Camp for the Hastings District of the Methodist church. Children attending include Beverly Zehr, Betty Scribner, Virginia Janzen, Mavis VanHousen, Larry Shafer, Gene Scranton and George Danker.
- June 15 - 60 years ago - Earl W. Holdgraf, son of Mr. and Mrs. P.G. Holdgraf, was one of more than 1450 students to receive degrees in the 87th annual commencement exercises of Northwestern University, Chicago, on Wednesday morning, June 13.
Wheat production this year was forecast Monday by the agribulture department.The department estimated Nebraska's winter wheat crop at 77,574,000 bushels, with a per acre average of 21 bushels. Nebraska will have a winter wheat crop almost double the 1944 production, barring unexpected weather conditions.
- June 22 - 60 years ago - Sgt. Max Fulton, 20, radio gunner on a bomber of the Eighth Air Force was killed in action over Germany last March 23. His mother had been advised that he was missing in action, but was informed on Wednesday morning that he had been killed.
O.L. Scranton, who was elected president of the Aurora Rotary Club effective July 1, handed in his resignation to members of the Rotary Club. Mr. Scranton, principal of the Aurora High School the past year is now attneding summer school in Lincoln and has accepted a position with the St. Paul, Nebraska schools.
- June 29 - 60 years ago - Kenneth Brondel from Hampton has signed on with the Giant's professional baseball team. Kenneth's father was a good semi-pro player and the kid's idol has always been Carl Hubbell. Brondel pitched 16 wins and 6 losses in three months and pitched nine complete games.
Both Walter Derr, son of Mr. and Mrs. L. M. Derr, and Karl Bryan, son of Frank Bryan , are now known to be defnitely on the Japanese mainland as prisoners, acording to letters received from the government by both families at the last of last week.
- July 6 - 60 years ago - Seventy-five 4-H boys and girls and six leaders held a judging and demonstration day. The afternoon was spent juding many items that the young people had made, including cooking, canning, and sewing.
Pfc. Dale Anderson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Art Anderson of Aurora, received a medical discharge from the Engineer's Corps. He entered the service in August 1943, and he remained in Iceland for several months. He suffered a severe fracture in one ankle, which resulted in his discharge.
- July 13 - 60 years ago - This week the Standard Oil station on the northeast corner of the square will reopen under the management of John Cox. The station has been closed for several years and has been completly remodeld.
The Hamilton County Museum is open every Sunday afternoon from 1 to 6 p.m. Some interesting items on display include a necktie given to Pual R. Gunnerson by Franklin D. Roosevelt and several reptile skins from around the world.
- July 20 - 60 years ago - There is a shortage of harvest help on Hamilton County farms. Hundreds of farmers have called the county agent's office for help. The Aurora Chamber of Commerce is urging any business men who are available in the evenings to contact area farmers and offer to help with harvest.
Patty Schoonover and Alice Rae Mason entertained members of the Aurora Rotary club at the regular club luncheon. Patty gave two readings and Alice Rae sang several songs.
The 1946 license plates will be radically changed from the 1945 plates. The new plates will be a rust color with white lettering. "46" and "Nebraska" will appear at the top, with the car number below.
- July 27 - 60 years ago - Eighty-two men from Hamilton County have been honorably discharged from the various branches of armed service. According to Joe Gunnerson, local board clerk, men are now being discharged at the rate of three men for every one man inducted.
A truck driven by Melvin Baker and a milk truck driven by Lawrence Holden of Doniphan collided at an intersection on Saturday morning. Holden was carry 60 10-gallon cans of milk, and the impact caused all sixty cans to fall off the truck and empty into the ditch.
- August 3 - 60 years ago - Pfc. Clifford E. Dick of the infantry was awarded a Bronze Star for heroic achievement in combat on September 16, 1944, near Monticello, Italy. Pfc. Dick led a group through barrages and mine fields to reach food and water for the first time in two days.
Sharon May, 10, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lowen May, is recovering in the Grand Island hospital after suffering from a concussion. It is believed that she was knocked in the head by a horse, severely brusing her behind the ear.
- August 10 - 60 years ago - John L. Sauls, who has served as police magistrate for many years, has turned in his resignation. The council appointed O.J. Lathrop as his successor.
Pfc. Royal Christenson arrived home from Europe for a 30-day leave. He has spent the most of his two years and eight months over seas with the 5th Armored Division of the 9th Army.
- August 17 - 60 years ago - President Truman announced the Japanese acceptance of the peace terms. The atomic bombs are credited with ending the war. No celebrations in Aurora broke out, but many larger cities held parades throughout the night. All federal employees will receive a two-day vacation.
Nineteen Mexican Nationals were injured after the truck they were riding in overturned. The truck, driven by Everett Lange, was on its way to the Hamilton County Farms Company, where the men were to begin work. Most were taken to the Aurora hospital for treatment.
- August 24 - 60 years ago - A robbery that took place at Newman and Son Hardware in Hampton was solved after one gang member was killed in Iowa. Fred Sheldon of Shelton and Lois Sollzaao of Omaha admitted to robbing the store and also to stealing Raymond Mason's car.
Two hundred and fifty youth attended the Methodist Church Youth Rally held in Streeter Park. The youth played games, ate, listened to a message by Rev. C.N. Rogers, and sang around a campfire.
The 73rd Annual Hamilton County Fair will be held August 27-30. Highlights include midway rides, horse races, and a Mexican bull fight exhibition.
- August 31 - 60 years ago - Attendance was good at the 73rd annual Hamilton County Fair. The bleachers were full during the Merrick County Saddle Club show and the bull-fighting exhibition, even though the bull was too scared to fight. Exhibitions were down from past years, in part due to the fact that farmers and townspeople have had a busy summer so far.
The OPA announced that all gasoline ration coupons may be destroyed, as they are no longer needed to buy gas. However, there is still a shortage of tires, and people are warned to take care when driving long distances.
| Home | Queries | Resources | Communities | Links |