STOCKING PRECINCT

was erected and electricity and water installed.

   The first manager of the Airport was Fred Mowers of Colon, Nebraska. He was followed by Roger L. Kellgren and R.F. Cribbett. A shop hangar, some private hangars, which were later turned over to the City, and other hangars were constructed through the years.

   In November, 1967, the Mayor and Council created the Wahoo Airport Authority consisting of five members: Robert Smith, L.C. Thege, John W. Safford, Arthur G. Gerdts and Thomas L. Ludi. In the following years, several individual T-hangars were erected through matching funds or funds obtained through the State Department of Aeronautics through an interest free loan. In 1971, the north/south runway was paved and new lighting installed. Bonded Indebtedness at that time was $108,000. Taxiways and more new hangars were constructed and, most recently, a new shop hangar in 1980. There are presently 26 permanently hangared planes at the Airport. A private aerial spray operation is located on the premises and a Fixed Base Operator, J & D Aircraft, a qualified mechanic, is located there on a full-time basis.

   The present members of the Wahoo Airport Authority are: Chairman, Jerry Herbster; Vice-Chairman, Archie Nash; Secretary, John Virgl; and Merton E. Oden and Gaylord Anderson, who also is Manager. Phyllis Nozicka is Treasurer Ex-Officio.

   The Department of Aeronautics and the FAA inspect our facilities on a regular basis and the reports are generally very favorable. Wahoo is proud of this fine facility.

Wahoo Airport -- May 1983

   Street lights were first discussed in May 1886 and the city fathers contracted with H.H. Chillberg, owner of the Wahoo Electric Light Co., for 20 electric street lights. In 1890, the city paid $1.00 per light per month to W.H. Dickinson, the new owner. In 1891 a contract for 10 arc lights was made for a price of $90.00 per month. The lights were shut off at midnight each night. In the years following there was a continuous controversy over the contract price for these street lights. In 1895, S.H. Jones purchased the Wahoo Electric Light Co.

   When a new City Hall was erected at 6th and Broadway in 1890-1891, electric lights were installed in the building -- one in hose cart room, one in court room/night watchman's room and one in a hallway to burn from dusk to midnight. Three lights were installed in the council chamber and three in the fireman's hall with the night watchman being responsible to see these lights were carefully turned off as soon as meetings adjourned. All this cost $6.00 per month.

Wahoo Utilities

   In 1900, the City would not accept the contract submitted by Mr. Jones and the street lights were disconnected. The citizens complained and requested the Council to come to an agreement for street lighting; however, the lights weren't reconnected until some time in 1902.

   In 1908, along with a new municipal water system, an electric power plant was constructed at the east end of 7th Street with a 125 KW steam engine to furnish power. An agreement was made with Mr. Jones that he would cease operations and turn over all customer's records and price list to the City. In February, 1909, the power plant was ready to operate and in order to secure a larger number of customers, the City would wire any building in Wahoo to all applicants and would charge only a small advance over actual cost of labor and materials. The vote on this motion carried 4 to 2.

   In 1909, John E. Martz was appointed superintendent of the Wahoo Water and Electric Light Systems. He resigned in August and was replaced by D.F. Schroeckenstein followed by H.M. Robertson in 1910.

   In 1912, rates were established with a minimum charge of 50¢ per month for all electric customers. The mayor, Lynn Lyle, tried to veto this ordinance objecting to the minimum charge. The Council overruled the mayor's veto. Another 50 KW generator and switchboard was purchased for $3,500 and 42 electrolier street lights were installed in the business district. These lights remained in use until the mercury vapor lights were installed in the 1950's. Various engines and building additions were required through the years. Mr. Robertson resigned in 1918 and O.A. Clarke was appointed. Rural districts around the City petitioned for electric service. It was voted down in 1921 but later that year farmers to the west asked if they could connect at the city limits if they paid for the line coming in to the City. This was done and rural rates were established. The City entered into a contract to serve the Village of Weston in December, 1921 and the south farm line the following year. The City also served the Village of Malmo until the late 1960's when they sold their lines to Omaha Public Power District.

   In 1929, the Nebraska Power Co. made a proposition to take over the power plant but the Council and citizens passed a resolution strongly opposing the sale of the plant and a new turbine was installed.

   In 1936, the plant was converted from steam turbines to diesel engines after serious consideration. Total improvements were $110,000 and a 500 KW Busch-Selzer engine with auxiliary equipment and an addition to the building were made. Mayor was O.H. Person and councilmen were E.A. Dailey, R.F. McCreery, C.O. Johnson, Roy Williamson, F.T. Koutny and P.O. Kruce at this time.

   W.H. Challburg became Light & Water Commissioner in 1937 and the whistle was installed at the plant that year. Fred Rausch followed Mr. Challburg, then Lowell W. Edwards, Laverne H. Martens and Donald F. Peterson at the present time. New engines were added through the years until the present capacity is 14,305 KW. A tie line with Nebraska Public Power District was installed in 1965 and the City began purchasing power in 1976 through the Nebraska Municipal Pool and Western Area Power Association. The Wahoo Power Plant is kept in good condition and generates on an agreement with the Power Pool or during outages that occur on the tie-line.

   The first public water in Wahoo was a windmill with a cistern erected in June, 1876 in the center of the intersection at 5th and Broadway. In January, 1877, the windmill was ordered removed and the cistern water was used for fire protection. It was at this time that a fire department was organized and a fire engine purchased. A pump was installed on the well and a new cistern installed in May, 1881. Water was 50¢ a barrel. The windmill was finally removed in December, 1881. A new well was installed in 1882 with pipe laid to two more cisterns, one located at 4th and Linden and one at 6th and Linden. The well at 5th and Broadway turned out to be inadequate and the City got permission from the railroad to use their water tank to fill the cisterns to be used only in case of fire.

   A water works system for fire extinguishing and sprinkling with a steam pump and 1,000 barrel elevated tank was installed in 1884 at a cost of $7,000. Two more cisterns were installed at 4th and Broadway and 5th and Linden.

Water Tower

   In 1887, a water works system franchise proposal was accepted from American Water Works & Guarantee Co. of Pittsburgh, Pa. However, a suit was filed in District Court to restrain and prevent construction of this system and the city council voted to go to the Supreme Court if necessary. The fire department sent a letter to the Council in 1889 saying they would disband if the differences between the City and the water works company were not resolved. The franchise with the Wahoo Water Works Co. was finally accepted and all work was done. The City paid $1,000 a year for water rent.

   In 1899, the Fire Department complained about the water service and pressure was tested. The test was to maintain 4 fire streams for 2 hours at a height of 100 feet. They could do 4 fire streams at a height of 60 to 80 feet for only one hour, so the City refused to pay their water rent. In 1900, the Wahoo Water Works Co. sued the Mayor and Council.

   In 1907, after several years of controversy over the water rent, two test wells were bored on the east side of town and water was tested as to supply and quality. In 1909, the franchise of the Wahoo Water Works expired, and since their water was of poor quality, their equipment worn out and of no great value except for mains, and could not be improved with the pumping plant in its present location (north of Wahoo Creek on west side of Chestnut St.), the franchise was not renewed. At this time the City was paying $2,500 a year for 41 fire hydrants and two drinking fountains.

   Test wells in the vicinity of John Dolezal's elevator proved to be pure, wholesome and very desirable for domestic use. Five acres was purchased from John and Maria Koutny for $250 an acre (Present power plant property). Ed Lehmkuhl was mayor and councilmen were N.D. Tharp, C.L. Mielenz, S.P. Wahlstrom, Oscar Lent, R.F. McCreery and Ed Killian at this time. In 1908 an election for $50,000 for water bonds and $15,000 for electric bonds to establish a municipal water system and power plant was carried with 457 for and 10 against the water bonds and 444 for and 21 against the electric bonds.

   Pump houses, 3 wells, mains, a 100,000-gallon water tower and distribution mains were installed. In 1909 the city purchased the entire system of the old Wahoo Water Works for $17,940. There was 54,640 feet of main for 356 customers (75 connections not yet in use), 60 hydrants, and 2 drinking fountains in the first water works report given by C.H. Adams, the first superintendent.

   There have been numerous water improvements made through the years. A fourth well was installed at 11th and Spruce Streets in 1963. In 1974 a new 750,000 gallon water tower was installed with new mains in the northwest part of the city. The old tower at 12th and Laurel was sold and dismantled in 1981.

   Wahoo has a very ample supply of good-tasting, pure water. No chemical treatment whatsoever added to the system. Donald F. Peterson is the present Light and Water Commissioner.

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   A need for public sewer drainage became apparent in 1898 when people were warned not to throw slops into the gutter. The local laundry was causing sewage to be running in the street in the business district. The City Attorney was instructed to notify these people to abate all nuisances in regard to wastewater. Problems with private cesspools were investigated and finally in 1904 a special election to issue $15,000 bonds to establish a sewer system was passed, 253 for and 104 against. Matt & Huntington Contractors of Independence, Mo. were awarded a contract to install 25,555' of pipe, 257' of manholes and 4 tanks for automatic flushing. This sewer work was very extensive and many problems occured. Some had to be relaid because it wasn't installed to grade and profile. Winter hit with ditches open. The engineers made several changes and the project was finally completed in June, 1906.

   In the years following private sewer connections were gradually made and sewer extension in to new developments was expanded. The sewage emptied into Wahoo Creek south of C Street until 1965 when a $16,0000 Sewer Wastewater Treatment Plant was built south of C Street and Elm to follow federal regulations against raw sewage dumping into open streams. The plant is adequate in size for several years and other than maintenance and updating, no further improvements have been made.

   The plant operator was Ralph Gilliam until 1980 when George Christian became operator. It is under the direction of the Light and Water Commissioner.

   A storm sewer project was proposed in 1919 and again in 1926 but both times rejected. As paving has been installed storm sewers have been put in. More improvements are needed and plans are projected for 1985 or 1986 to be completed along with a new highway project through the City that is proposed to be done at that time.

   A suitable site for a garbage dump was first mentioned in May, 1891. Various sites were discussed and used through the years. The present landfill site has been used for at least 35 years and in 1976 the site was purchased from Vernon and Helen Schmidt for this purpose.

Sanitation Plant

   On July 27, 1878, the Wahoo City Council took formal action to provide fire protection for the City of Wahoo. The Fire Committee was one of the first formed when the City incorporated in 1870. The first equipment purchased in 1878 were two No. 5 Champion Chemical Fire Engines and one No. 3 Hook and Ladder Truck. The Council ordered City Bonds in the amount of $2,000 to be issued to pay for this equipment. The original Fire Dept. Engine Co. (Hose Co. No. 1) was formally organized August 22, 1878. At this time, all of the fire equipment was pulled by hand and housed in the Old City Hall. In 1910 horses were purchased to pull the fire equipment. The first motorized fire truck was purchased for $400 on March 9, 1917, to be used by Hose Co. No. 2. In October 1923, Wahoo purchased its first motorized fire pumper. In 1929, the first siren was purchased for use as a signal. Prior to that time, a bell in the tower of the City Hall was rung.

Fire Station

    In 1941 the Rescue Squad was organized which is staffed by select members of the Fire Department and serves the Wahoo area with emergency medical service. The Wahoo Fire Department has a total of 45 members which make up three companies, Hose Co. No. 1, Hose Co. No. 2 and the Hook and Ladder Co. The present officers are: Fire Chief, Don Jelinek; 1st Assistant, Tom Massie; 2nd Assistant, Robert Virgl; and Rescue Squad Captain, Ronald Voboril. The equipment is kept up to date and good mechanical condition.

Wahoo Post Office 1921

The Wahoo Post Office is located on Fifth Street between Broadway and Linden Streets, and faces Fifth Street. The United States Congress purchased this site in 1913. The building was completed in 1918 at a cost of $50,000. It has been remodeled several times and additions have been made. The most recent remodeling was completed in August, 1964.

   The present postmaster is Don A. Swift. Merlin Hall is the supervisor of Postal Operations. Rural Mail Carriers are: Robert J. Norenberg, Rte. 1; Daryl W. Anderson, Rte. 2; and Reuben E. Caha, Substitute Carrier. City carriers are Kenneth Carlson, City 1; Edward L. Kontos, City 2; Joseph J. Voboril, City 3; and Julius E. Izso.

   Post Office clerks are Reinhart L. Miller, William P. Iversen, and Quanita A. Shanahan.

   The Wahoo Public Library was established in February, 1923. It was a project of the Wahoo Woman's Club. The first Library was on the second floor of the Old City Hall.

   Although the original library was started with funds from gifts and benefactions, it is now tax supported.

   The present building which now houses the library was completed in 1960. The circulation is over 30,000 books for a year. Many new books are added to the collection each year. The library today has over 22,000 hardbound and paperback books.

Wahoo Public Library

   The past years have seen many improvements and additions to the library. Not only does the library have books, but records, newspapers, magazines and a large print book collection are available. A copy machine may be used by the patrons.

   Each summer a story hour and reading program is held for the small children. The library is a very important part of the educational resources in the community.

   The first librarians were volunteers. Mrs. Grace Oldham was the first to receive a salary. The following have served as head librarians, Miss Mona Stein, Mrs. Conrad Magnussen, Mrs. John Koenig and the present librarian Mrs. Leo H. Smith, assisted by Mrs. John Gross Jr. and Mrs. Bill Pearson.

   The ladies on the board at the time of the dedication of the new library were Mrs. I.M. Thompson, Mrs. Gerald Erickson, Mrs. Audrey Williams, Mrs. Everett Barry and Mrs. Robert Edstrom.

   Present board members are Mrs. J.D. Little, Miss Flora K. Ewart, Mrs. Merton Oden, Mrs. Sam Martin and Mr. Robert Sullivan.

   The Wahoo Public Library was dedicated to "the pioneers who came and stayed." The pioneers would be proud of this outstanding facility.

   The Howard Hanson House, a white frame Victorian house at the corner of 12th and Linden Streets in Wahoo, has been added to the National Register of Historic Places Jan. 27, 1983. The Hanson House was the birthplace and home of the nationally known composer and educator Howard Hanson. The House serves as a repository for artifacts and documents relating to the Five Famous Sons of Wahoo. The house was restored to an 1890 appearance and was opened to the public in 1967.

   Many tourists have visited this house, the home of the famous Howard Hanson.

   In June, 1886, Councilman Lepsa and Collins were appointed to look up the matter of a city park for Wahoo. In July they reported that Mr. Stocking had been contacted and wanted $2,500 for 12 acres of land near the Hadsall Bridge. No action was taken, except that the Council smiled and adjourned, as noted in the minutes by the City Clerk.

   The subject of parks was not brought up again until 1919 when David H. Mills deeded the sand pit property in Block 127, 111 and 112 for public and municipal purposes. The gravel pit was still in operation and the City agreed that any income over $500 would be used for the sole purpose of making, establishing and maintaining a public park. Gravel was used on city streets and remained in operation until 1927.

   The south part of Lots 11 and 12 in Block 137 at 6th and Broadway was purchased in 1890 from Lenore Perky for the new city hall. The north part of these lots were purchased in 1922 from Oscar and Kittie Lindercamp for $1,400 and paid for by the Park Fund. This vacant lot remained as such until the present City Hall was erected in 1959.

   The Mills family operated Mills Park east of town on the banks of Sand Creek. The city rented a portion of this park for tourist camping in the early 1920s. Across the road was the very popular Wanahoo Park which was developed in 1920. The city installed electric lights and a sidewalk from the city out to these parks along the south side of the road. Wanahoo Park had a dance pavillion, water wheel, boating, picnic grounds and swimming pool.

   The City began to acquire property in the City Park block in 1919 in a rather piece-meal fashion. Lot 4 was purchased from L.J. and Mary Kudrna, Lot 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 from August Gustafson, Lots 1 and 2 from John Nelson, and Lot 3 and Lots 7, 8 and 9 in Block 157 to the east from Wm. and Alvina Hapke. The Gustafson lots had a house on it and for a few years the boy scouts and girl scouts used this house as their meeting place. Much of the City Park had been a ravine so in the early years, all good excess dirt that became available was filled in here. When the Methodist Church was built in 1922, excess dirt was purchased for 25¢ a load.

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