RICHLAND PRECINCT

Ceresco High School. In June of that year Ceresco District No. 31 and Valparaiso District No. 101 (both in Saunders County) merged with Raymond District No. 19 (Lancaster County) to form Raymond Central Public School, Lancaster County District No. 161.

   A bond issue was presented to remodel the buildings at the former Nike Missile site in rural Raymond and to build a new library, gymnasium and additional classrooms. This houses grades 7 through 12 in the consolidated high school. Construction was not completed until December, 1969, so for 2½ years Raymond Central's Senior High students attended classes at Ceresco and the Junior High students at Valparaiso.

   The Ceresco school from that time on has had grades kindergarten through sixth for the Ceresco Community. Jerry Mullins was the first Superintendent, Darrell Rosenquist was the first, and current, Elementary School Principal. Mullins was replaced in 1976 by Roland Fenster. The current Principal of the High School is John Werner.

Ceresco High School Band -- 1936 Clyde Wedgewood -- Director

School District #100 Rural School Parade in Wahoo -- 1940

   In 1943, a group of twelve young mothers with small children formed a Mother's Club under the leadership of Mrs. Frank Pinkston, whose husband taught in Ceresco High School. They met once a month for a social time.

   In 1947, it was voted on to join the Extension Service of Saunders County. Home Extension Agent, Elizabeth Hornung, helped organize the club.

   In 1983, we have eleven members: Lucile Anderson, Verna Blodgett, Wilma Cameron, Lucile Hunzeker, Maxine Merry, Edna Brande, Gatha Marvin-Quick, Evangeline Hooker, Blanche Schram, Margaret Walter and Minnie Olson.

   Officers are: President -- Lucile Hunzeker; Vice President -- Verna Blodgett; Secretary -- Edna Brande; Treasurer -- Maxine Merry; Courtesy Chairman -- Margaret Walter; Reading Chairman -- Minnie Olsen. (Submitted by Lucile Olsen Anderson)

   Ceresco Chapter # 198, Order of the Eastern Star, was granted a dispensation on March 16, 1902. Florence Curyea served as the first Worthy Matron and James Livesay as the first Worthy Patron.

   The Charter was granted June 2, 1905. The Charter members were Florence Curyea, Charles D. Curyea, Malissa Goold, David H. Goold, Alice M. Blodgett, Leonne Hunter, James F. Hunter, Ella Heltman, Fannie C. Unthank, G. Ralph Unthank, Ruby Larson, Hans C. Larson, Guy S. Heltman, J. Hugo Johnson, Susie Turney, Clark Turney, Nanie M. Livesay, James S. Livesay, Louie G. Bush and Russell D. Bush.

   On February 11, 1963, Fedelity Chapter #235 of Valparaiso consolidated with the Ceresco Chapter.

   April 28, 1979, the cornerstone was laid and the new lodge hall was dedicated where the Ceresco Chapter now meets at 117 Elm Street. There are presently 147 members. Submitted by Mary Jo Peterson, W.M.

   The American Legion is a service organization dedicated to the service of disabled veterans, their families and to God and Country. Membership is attained through Veterans from World War I, April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918; World War II, December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946; Korean Conflict, June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955; and the Vietnam Conflict, December 22, 1961 to May 7, 1975.

   The original members signing a temporary charter were: Martin Trued, Arvid Swanson, Byril Jones, Hollie T. Lowell, Herbert W. Nelson, Fred O. Anderson, Walter H. Carlson, William W. Martinson, Garfield E. Moline, Richard W. Peterson, Gunnar O. Johnson, Albin L. Nelson, William VanLandingham, L.E. Trued, Carl J. Anderson, David T. Johnson and Phil A. Nelson. The application was forwarded to National Headquarters on April 5, 1920 and the permanent charter was secured on October 23, 1928. A constitution and by-laws of the Ceresco Post was drawn up in 1947 and filed in the Saunders County Clerk's office on December 24, 1947.

   After World War II, funds were raised in the community to build the Veterans Memorial building at 109 Elm St. in 1948. The mortgage was burned in 1956. Contents in the cornerstone include: Constitution and Bylaws of the Post, names of the original charter members, names of the Legion members in 1948, officers of the Post, the building committee, records of the Auxiliary, names of presidents and secretaries from its origin, and the 1948 membership, members of the Village Board, members of the school board, one New Testament, National Legion Magazine, Legion Manual of Ceremonies, Commemorative stamps printed in 1948, U.S. coins minted in 1948, Ceresco News, Otto Olson publisher, Wahoo Democrat program of the occasion in which Chaplain Rev. Arthur H. Peterson, pastor of the Lutheran Church, was in charge of laying the stone, and names of the men from Ceresco who died in World Wars I and II.

   The remaining World War I Veterans today are Wm. O. Kolb, Herman Walin and John Olson. The first Commander in 1920 was Phil A. Nelson. Present officers in 1983 are Tom Parker, Commander, Voyle Miller, Vice Commander, Everett Edstrom, Adjutant, Keith Smith, Treasurer and Kenneth Hanke, Service Officer. Keith Smith is presently serving the Department as Sr. Vice Commander.

   Some of the activities and programs sponsored by the American Legion are: County Government Day, Boys' State, Junior Law program, Baseball, Yanks Who Gave, Color Guards and Firing Squads for funerals, Memorial Day Services, parades and special events in the community, and Children and Youth programs. The American Legion maintains a service office for veterans and their dependents, assisting many to get hospitalization, compensation and other benefits to which they are entitled.

Veteran's Memorial Building Post #244 Built in 1948

   Past Commanders since 1920 have been Phil A. Nelson, Merle J. Clemens, Richard Peterson, Herman Walin, Omar Rung, Carl Nelson, Roy Dooley, Earl Wagner, Fred Olson, Walter Carlson, Fred Wedberg, Wm. Martinson, Arvid Swanson, Delf Almquist, W.D. Heflin, Dr. N.P. Hanson, E.C. Henthorn, Rev. A. H. Peterson, Fred Anderson, Joe Brown, Elmer W. Johnson, August Patzloff, Walter L. Johnson, Walter T. Miller, Carl Sidney Anderson, Julius Nilson, Stuart Alvord, Wm. Kolb, Kenneth Hanke, Keith Smith, Lyle Wedberg, George Richards, Ernie Swanson, Wendell "Bud" Patzloff, Lyle Gamble, Dale Rexilius, Charles Wilson, Edwin Hass, Ralph Farlow, H. Spahn, Delbert Henrichson, Donald Rexilius, Glenn Swanson, Everett Edstrom, Tom Parker presently serving as Commander. Many Commanders served for more than one year.

   The American Legion Auxiliary is the largest Patriotic Women's Organization in the world with almost a million members. Its main purpose is to promote the work of the American Legion in its program of service. Volunteers do most of the work. Membership is composed of mothers, wives, sisters, daughters and granddaughters of members of the American Legion, or women who are themselves veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, or the Vietnam Campaign.

   The Ceresco American Legion Auxiliary, Unit No.244, was organized on May 5, 1932. Mrs. Joe Brown served as the first president. The permanent charter was granted May 31, 1932 with the following charter members: Mrs. Joe Brown, Mrs. Omer Rung, Mrs. Arvid Swanson, Miss Fern Swanson, Mrs. Garfield Moline, Mrs. Fred Olson, Mrs. David Johnson, Mrs. Fred Wedberg, Mrs. Earl Wagner, Mrs. William Nelson, Mrs. J.N. Martinson, Mrs. John Moline, Mrs. W.D. Heflin and Mrs. G.E. Johnson.

   The fundamental purpose of the Auxiliary is to build a stronger America and to inspire a more devoted patriotism. Programs consist of Americanism, Children and Youth, Community Service, Education and Scholarships, Girls' State, Junior Activities, National Security, Poppy Program and Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation.

   The 1983 membership of senior and junior members is 130. Mrs. Ernest Swanson served as State President in 1973 and is currently serving as Unit President. Mrs. Keith Smith is serving as Staff Chaplain.

   The Auxiliary meets once a month except August and January. The Unit sews lap robes, makes tray favors, sews booties or bibs, does volunteer work for the Veteran Hospitals and Homes.

   Past Presidents have been Thelma Brown, Bernice Heflin, Esther Wagner, Lily Wedberg, Ruth Henthorn, Mabel Swanson, Elvera Johnson, Florence Nelson, Irene Peterson, Ellen Carlson, Ardell Miller, Arlys Patzloff, Verna Blodgett, Ottillia Heiser, Leona Wedberg, Florence Olson, Margie Swanson, Lurene Isaacson, Arlyce Smith, Marilyn Haines, Margaret Palm, Florence Hass, Wanda Nilson, Cecile Johnson, Nadine (Wilcox) Peterson, Florentine Walin, Betty (Tvrdy) Sullivan, Ann Hansen, Nancy Jo Hanke and currently Margie

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Swanson. Some Presidents served for two to six terms.

   The Unit is still very active on the local level, County, District and Department making many contributions to the youth, community and to the Veteran and family.

   Comet Lodge No. 229 A.F. & A.M., Ceresco, Nebraska organized December 5, 1894 under warrant of the Grand Master of Masons in Nebraska.

   Brothers Livesay and Curyea walked and measured the distance from Ceresco to Wahoo, then from Ceresco to Valparaiso. The latter was the shorter distance and permission to organize was received from Square Lodge No. 151, Valparaiso, NE.

   The Charter was granted June 13, 1895. Charter members were: Bros. Phillip Opp, William E. Yocum, Russell D. Bush, Charles D. Curyea, James S. Livesay, Jerome Burnell, Charles H. Wray, Henry C. Horton, Hugh Leal, William W. Jones, Jeoff E. Wrinkle, and John Crawer. The first Master was Charles D. Curyea.

   The By-Laws read as follows: The regular meeting of this Lodge shall be held at the Free Masons Hall on the Friday on, or preceding, each full moon and every two weeks thereafter and on the Festival of St. John the Baptist. On April 24, 1903 it was changed from Friday to Thursday. On January 17, 1935, it was amended to read: The regular meeting of this Lodge shall be held at Free Masons Hall the first Thursday of each month.

   The first meetings were held in a building owned by John Martin. (Lot 3, Block 3, Original Town Ceresco). It had a coal stove, kerosene lights, no water and an outside stairway. On April 6, 1933, the first communication was held at a new location -- "The Tunney Hall." (Lot 6, Block 3, Original Town, Ceresco.) This hall was purchased on July 1, 1948. The remainder of the building was acquired March 5, 1953.

   On April 2, 1953, M.W. Brother Ernest Scheifelbein presented the Lodge their first certificate of proficiency.

   Current certified members are: Francis J. Beaman, Paul C. Bulling, Coit Hunter, Jack Lefler, Carl T. Johnson, Keith E. Smith, Gary L. Beaman, Theodore Bulling, Ivan N. Nord, Gerald R. Brodd, Ralph Olson, Bert Baird, Robert J. Schmucker, Jack Johnson, and Lorain Hunzeker.

   The dual Jordan Medal Holders are: Lloyd Krone and Rance Blodgett.

   The fifty year members are: Lloyd Krone, Rance Blodgett, Alfred O. Eliason, O. John Olson, Coit Hunter, Albert Olson, Arthur Christensen, James F. Hunter, Cecil Quick, Clarence A. Johnson, and Oliver T. Christensen.

   Otis, Francis and Gary Beaman represent three generations of Masters of Comet Lodge.

   Our new Masonic Building was constructed in 1978. (Lots 10 and 11, Block 5, Original Ceresco.) Our first meeting was held in November, 1978 in the new building.

   Laying of the Corner Stone and Dedication of the new Masonic Temple of Comet Lodge No. 229, Ceresco, Nebraska by the Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Nebraska was held Saturday, April 28, 1979. Committee: Francis J. Beaman, Rance Blodgett, Lloyd Krone, Gary L. Beaman

Comet Lodge #229 AF and AM Built 1979 Ceresco, Nebr.

Ceresco Community Center and Fire Dept. Library -- Diner Center City Offices

   CERESCO has had a commercial club since 1924 (incorporated in 1948) with membership made up of business proprietors in the town. Its purpose is to promote good will for the Village of Ceresco. Some of its projects over the years have included free movies on Saturday night, band concerts, Easter egg hunts, fall celebrations, Christmas decoration contests, Santa Claus visit, signs, Treasure Trove, 4th of July fireworks, and circus trips for elementary school children. Donald Johnson is serving as president.

   The Ceresco Booster Club was organized in 1962 with Mrs. Ernie Swanson elected to serve as its first chairman. The club is a branch of the Commercial Club and serves to keep the community strong, improve the town, promote better communication between farmers, businessmen and all the people of the community. It also provides financial support to some community projects as well as two scholarships for Ceresco graduates. Its chief money-raising project each year is the food booth at the 4th of July celebration at the town park. Membership is for anyone interested in "boosting" Ceresco. Currently there are 60 members. Officers for 1982: President -- Adolph and Audrey Roesler; Vice President -- Clayton and Helen Johnson; Secretary -- Leonard and Maxine Merry; and Treasurer -- Howard and Ruth Nelson.

   The organization began in September of 1976 when the community's pastors called several individuals together to discuss the concerns of area senior citizens. From that point, an activity (meal, entertainment and fellowship) has been held every month.

   The first slate of officers, elected in January, 1977, included Irma Hedlund, President; Robert Dittrich, Vice President; Leah Olson, treasurer; Wayve Patzloff, corresponding secretary and Thelma Pearson, recording secretary. Pastors Richard Woolard and Charles Leypoldt were ex-officio advisors.

   The existence of Sixty Plus was a major factor in Ceresco's reception of a federal grant to construct a new community building. The first meeting of Sixty Plus in the new community building was on January 20, 1978. The membership roll of Sixty Plus includes everyone in the Ceresco area over 60 years of age who wishes to participate in its activities.

   An initial donation of $800 was given for the purchase of folding chairs for the new building. Later, fund raisers furnished funds to supply fourteen 8-foot folding tables and more folding chairs. Other items were purchased later.

   An Open House Dedication of the new Community Building was held on Sunday afternoon, April 16, 1978. Volunteers from Sixty Plus assisted Village representatives in serving refreshments which the Village provided.

   Sixty Plus was incorporated. Ceresco Senior Citizens 60 Plus became a part of the Senior Diners program sponsored by the Lincoln Area Agency on Aging in July 1978, with the first site manager, Donna Weyers (Mrs. Ruick), being introduced on November 17. The second manager was Barbara (Mrs. Leroy) Hanson, with Audrey Roeser (Mrs. Adolph) being the third and current manager. Food is prepared at the nutrition site in Wahoo and transported to Ceresco. Attendance has been outstanding from the beginning.

   Events and activities sponsored by Sixty Plus from its infancy to the present have included bus trips (one day affairs and others of longer duration as the baseball trips to Kansas City); adult education classes, with many local teachers; Walt Disney movies; craft shows or fairs; Christmas sing-alongs; hobby exhibits; picnics; and one day a month birthday celebrations with special programs.

   Money-making endeavors have included a community auction; yearly bake and craft sales; raffles of bedspreads, quilts, afghans, crocheted tablecloths and latch hook wall hangings; and pancake suppers.

   Present executive officers include President -- Ottilia Heiser; Vice-President -- Lucile Hunzeker; Secretary -- Doris Peterson; Treasurer -- Fritz Heiser; Corresponding Secretary -- Verlie Anderson; Thelma Pearson is a member ex-officio. Advisors are Pastors Richard Woolard, Paul Spjut, and Jay Schmidt.

   A great many volunteers continue to make the Sixty Plus a vigorous organization. Submitted by Ottilia Heiser

Darius P. Turney Residence in early days, one of the first houses in Ceresco

The Joe Nelson Family, 1982, Ceresco

Ceresco - 1977

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