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Svoboda Funeral Home
Svoboda Funeral Home

SVOBODA FUNERAL HOME

   The Svoboda Funeral Home, Wahoo, began operation on December 1, 1949. The owners were James P. Svoboda and his son, Milo Svoboda. This establishment, with the Svoboda Funeral Home in Weston, has been serving all faiths since 1920.

   Following the death of Milo E. Svoboda on January 24, 1982, James J. Svoboda became the manager and co-owner of the funeral home.

Wahoo Clinic
Wahoo Clinic

WAHOO CLINIC - THROUGH
THE YEARS

   The Wahoo Clinic which has been in continuous operation since 1890 has been serviced by the following doctors: 1890-1935, Dr. F.E. Way; 1919-1949, Dr. Charles Way; 1931-1953, Dr. Mason E. Lathrop; 1934-1938, Dr. Harry Jakeman; 1945-1948, Dr. Ray Hill; 1947 to present, Dr. Ivan French; 1948-1950, Dr. Lunetta Memming; Dr. Murray Markley; 1951-1981, Dr. Stephen Wallace; 1958 to present, Dr. John Hansen. Submitted by Ruth Way Anderson

Wahoo Newspaper Office
Wahoo Newspaper Office

WAHOO NEWSPAPER

   When the Wahoo Newspaper was born in 1885 there were five other newspapers serving this community of about 2,000 people. They were: Independent Wauhoo, Saunders County Republican, Nebraska Reveille, Wahoo Republican, Wahoo Tribune, and then came The New Era.

   Henry H. Huckins, a veteran newspaper man, originated The New Era. He died two years later at the age of 77 and the paper was sold to his editor, Capt. Eric Johnson in 1887.

   The New Era was purchased by N.J. Ludi in June of 1902 and at that time the name was changed to the Wahoo Democrat.

   Down through the years the name has changed four times. From The New Era to the Wahoo Democrat, and when the Wahoo Wasp was purchased it became the Wahoo Newspapers. A postal regulation prevented the continuation of a plural name and in 1949 or 1950 it was declared the Wahoo Newspaper.

   The Wahoo Wasp was purchased from W.T. Pickett in 1948. It dated back to 1875.

   The switch from hot to cold type came on August 3, 1972.

   Guy T. Ludi took over the management of the Wahoo Democrat in 1922. His father was editor and his brother, Harry, was business manager. All, however, worked in the plant.

   N.J. Ludi was president of NPA in 1909 and died at the age of 74 in 1944; Guy Ludi was president of NPA in 1949. He died at age 67 in 1964, the year Derrel became the first third generation president of NPA at the 90th annual convention in Omaha in April.

   Derrel D. Ludi took over the management in 1971 and continues to this date.

Senior Citizen Center
Senior Citizen Center

WAHOO SENIOR CENTER

   The Saunders County Kiwanis Club was searching for a project in the fall of 1970. Many ideas were heard and discarded, until Ed Schoen told about a Senior Center somewhere that he had heard about. The idea was discussed for awhile. Then Mr. Schoen was instructed to get the information needed for such a project.

   Form letters were sent to 800 older people in Wahoo and the surrounding area. These people were asked to fill out the forms with their ideas about a Senior Center. Enough favorable replies were received.

   The City council promised to help support and, eventually, take full support of the Center.

   On September 27, 1971, the Wahoo Sr. Center opened its doors to the public. The formal open house was October 19, 1971. It was a grand day, with door prizes, lunch, and a wonderful Open House. Many people visited and registered. This was the climax of nearly a year of writing letters, committee work and meetings.

   By the fourth year Wahoo was the sole base support of the Center. This time the ladies were earning money for the daily needs, and the Coffee Kitty was bringing in money for the daily cookies and coffee. Goodies, then as now, are donated for afternoon snack and socializing.

   Mr. and Mrs. Ed Schoen were the first Coordinators, and Mrs. Mildred Cameron developed the craft division. About this time several women decided to quilt. Thus the craft and quilting departments were started.

   Many other good programs were started, and are still bring carried out. One program still popular is the mid-week ecumenical "Sermonette."

   The Board of Directors changes as years go by. Ruth Shockey took the post of Co-ordinator from May of 1974 to May of 1982.

   The Seniors outgrew their original home at 236 East 5th Street, in September of 1978, and moved to their present location of 235 East 4th Street.

   The City of Wahoo obtained as EDA grant, and converted the old high school to a new use. The Senior Center was formed from the old school shop. A separate 2-room building formed a very fine dining room and kitchen. All were reconditioned and a total Senior Center area is one of the best around.

   In June of 1982, Jeannie Bixby took on the job of Co-ordinator for the Wahoo Senior Citizens Center; and she reports that the Center is alive and quite well.

BUSY WHEELS

   In 1978 when the Senior Citizens moved into their new center and nutrition site the Senior Citizens Board recognized that transportation was a need for many older people. This would help Senior Citizens to feel, and be independent. Freedom of movement for our seniors is one of the major goals for a better quality of life.

   It didn't seem to be so much a question of what to do, as much as how do we do it? To our knowledge no one had ever done it. So our first budget had to be an estimate. The following was adopted. First -- it must be a low budget. Second -- no State, County, or City Subsidy.

   How will it be financed?
   1. Fares estimate usage.
   2. Westview Apartment donation.
   3. Senior Citizen Corp.
   4. Volunteer drivers.

   After many meetings and much thought, the foregoing goals were decided upon. We started with a leased car, volunteer drivers, our own insurance, and telephone. Our only unknown expense at this point was the gasoline. Our only definite revenue was the set amount of subsidy from Westview Apts. The fare was set at $.50 per boarding. The Senior Citizens, a non-profit corporation, pledged to put up the deficit if there should be one. At this point Busy Wheels was the corporation's name.

   We began operation Nov. 2, 1980, with 12 volunteer drivers. The service was well-received from the beginning. With nine months of experience, on Aug. 1, 1981, the Busy Wheels was established. Because it was well received the board decided it would be to the advantage of the Senior Corp. to purchase the car, which they did. There were many people wanting to contribute to a fund to purchase the car. A low-key drive was arranged. Enough was collected in a few days to purchase the car. The interest in this project is very good. And still, years later, we have some 150 seniors and handicapped that depend an the Busy Wheels for their only means of transportation. In the last 6 months approximately 1500 boardings were recorded.

   Financially it is paying its way. At the end of the first 2 years it has brought in the original investment. By the end of this third year we will have the cash reserve to replace the car if needed.

   The whole success is credited to the faithful, and dependable volunteer drivers. They say they are well-rewarded by the thanks and appreciation shown by the people receiving the service.

WAHOO COMMUNITY CHEST

   Formed a corporation under the Nebraska Non-Profit Corporation Act, the Corporation commenced on June 7, 1971, and has perpetual existence. The affairs of the Corporation are to be conducted by a board of directors, and the following officers: president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and such officers as may be provided for in the by-laws.

   The initial Board of Directors were Jerald Volin, Verna Ruth Larsen, Louis Swoboda, Charles Divis, Lila Kellgren, Ray Cada, Elaine Gonnerman, Rev. Ivan Richardson, and Curtis Bromm, as of June 7, 1971.

   The goal the first year, starting with the 1972 drive in the fall of 1971, was $8500. The collections in the 1971 fall drive totaled receipts of $8443.13 with pledges of $998.30, making a grand total of $9441.43, or 111% of the goal.

   The Community Chest has shown constant success and growth through the years. The 1983 drive just completed has brought in $12,789 in cash and $8230 in pledges, totaling $21,020.

   The present board members are Jeff Greenwald, Chuck Wagner, Dr. Ted Japp, Joe Breunig Jr., Karen Rathje, Marilyn Volin, Jean Mika, Jane Matschiner, and Jean Heineman.

   The first year the Community Chest served elev-

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en organizations. They were American Red Cross, Arthritis Foundation, Blood Bank Program, Boy Scouts, Crippled Children, CROP, Girl Scouts, Salvation Army, Saunders County Mentally Retarded Children, Saunders County Mental Health Assn., and the Senior Citizens Program.

   Many of the original organizations are still being served today. In the year, 1983, the Chest will serve 15 organizations: Arthritis Foundation, Blood Bank Program, Boy Scouts, Cystic Fibrosis, Girl Scouts, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Saunders Co. Mental Health, Senior Citizens Program, Saunders Co. Youth Service System, Cancer Fund, Heart Fund, Wahoo Youth Athletic Assn., Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and C.I.S.D.A.

BOY SCOUTING IN WAHOO

   Scouting began in Wahoo at the end of World War I. It was operated without a charter to begin with. Leadership was furnished by interested citizens. One could see Scouts in uniform with their 6-foot staffs, helping in parades and other events.

   On hand is a charter given to "A GROUP OF CITIZENS, TROOP #2, WAHOO, NEBRASKA" in 1922. Members of the troop committee were Ferd Anderson, N.J. Nickerson, E.S. Schiefelbein, and Scoutmaster James H. Alden, assisted by Frank J. Pospisil. Scout meetings were held in a house located on the property containing the City Tennis Courts today. One-week summer camps were held in Camp Gifford, Omaha and Big Island, Fremont. The most interesting week of camping was held in 1924 on the Wahoo Creek banks at Lemkuhl's Farm about 2½ miles west of Wahoo. Living and cooking in tents, swimming in the creeks, making mud slides, were activities enjoyed by all.

   In 1930 the 1st Charter was issued to "A GROUP OF CITIZENS for TROOP #140." The committee was composed of Leslie Hult, Chairman; Frank Lemkuhl; Walter Rundin; E.C. Wilson; Basil Bryant; Scoutmaster Glen Hancock; and Assistants William Stefan and Richard Edwards. By Gus A. Anderson

   Cub Pack #140 remains the sole scouting activity for boys in the community and congregation. It was organized in March of 1952 with V.E. Johnson as Cubmaster. Leadership is provided by Ken Krumpus as Cubmaster and Webelos Leader with Ass'ts Jerry Volin and Loren Lindahl. Tom Johnston is the Institutional Representative. Den mothers are: Marilyn Davis, Sue Klemme, Barb Kuticka, Reva Vandevoorde, Kathy Nordstrom and Dee Malousek; Lana Krumpus, Publicity and Awards.

   The Cub Pack averages 30 scouts each year. In November they sell Christmas candy as a fund raising project. This money is used to take the Cub Scouts to Circle R Camp for a week end with their parents in May. In December there is a Christmas party with a gift exchange. Cubs and their families have a chili feed in January, February is the Blue and Gold Banquet, in March Cubs and their fathers bake and decorate cakes which are judged for prizes, prizes are also given in April for the fastest Pinewood Derby cars. These are cars made by the boys. A weiner roast for cubs and families closes the Cub scout year in May.

Boy Scouts
Back Row: Jared (Brian) Ketner, Bob Stoupa, John Veach, Leader -- Mr. Veach. Front Row: Ron Stoupa, Billy Veach, Tracy Munson, Mark Bartek.

   Troop 246 was organized with the First Presbyterian Church as its sponsor.

   It quickly became a very active unit with good leadership. At one time membership numbered over 40 active scouts. Ten members have reached scouting's highest rank of Eagle Scout.

   This winter Star Scout John Veach and 1st Class Scout Brian Ketner were awarded the God and Life Award by Pastor Burton Knudsen.

   Our present membership is eight active members. We enjoy camping, hiking, canoeing as much as we did when we were organized. We are thankful to be able to enjoy the great outdoors and explore the wonders of God and nature. Respectively submitted: Gayle D. Veach, Scoutmaster

   The first Charter was issued to Troop #140, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Wahoo, in 1946. It has served as a community-wide troop continuously for 34 years. The first Scoutmaster was Ralph Peterson, assisted by Donald Brodahl. Other members were V.E. Johnson, Gus Anderson, Alden Nelson, Thure Anderson, Rev. J.E. Larson, and Richard Hull. Boys in the first troop were Roger Meduna, Charles Jenson, Jon Hoeven, Gustav Hult, Carl Johnson, Larry Leiber, and Jack Meduna.

   Boys attaining "Eagle" Award were: Douglas Peterson, Fred Kolterman, Noble Swanson, Don Kolterman, Gary Torrens, Robert Valdez, Verner Johnson, Micheal Jones, Robert Taylor, Lynn Ericson, Ricky Erickson, Roy Anderson, Raymond Swanson, Brian Beranek, David Peterson, John Meysenberg, Larry Little, Steve Little, Larry Svoboda, and Mark Smith.

   Nine boys received the Lutheran "Pro Deo Et Patria" Award. Six boys received the Catholic "Ad Altare Dei" Award. Ten boys received the Protestant "God and Country" Award.

   Leaders receiving the highest District award, that of "Silver Beaver" were Judge Robert E. Ewart, Gus Anderson, and Donald Brodahl. The first "Lutheran Lamb" Award was given to Gus Anderson.

   Fifteen Scouts and leaders attended the National and World Jamborees in the United States, Canada, and the Philippines.

   Troop #140 has served the community well. By Gus Anderson

Scout House
Scout House

HISTORY OF GIRL SCOUTING IN
WAHOO, NEBRASKA

   In the fall of 1920, a group of girls read about Girl Scouts in a magazine. They asked their teacher, Miss Bess McDonald, and she agreed to help them organize a troop of ten girls. They met in a house on 4th Street owned by the City and shared with the Boy Scouts. They made their own uniforms from khaki material purchased from the Scout Headquarters. Eileen Hanson Kudrna and Ann Malek Justsen were members of this original troop.

   Apparently about 1926, Girl Scouts in Wahoo disbanded because of lack of interest, leadership or sponsorship. About this time the City sold the house that had been used as a meeting place.

   During the summer of 1932 some girls decided to reorganize a troop and asked their mothers to help. The Legion Auxiliary sponsored them and Mrs. Leon Vance was the leader. Genevieve Johnson Erickson, Maxine Anderson Christensen, Helen Mastedt Breunig and Ethel Daharsh were members of this troop. Miss Ruth Anderson, a teacher, served the Girl Scouts in various capacities from 1932 to 1962.

   The first Brownie Troop was organized in 1946 by Mrs. L.J. Williams. Mrs. Wm. Placek began her scouting career in 1945 along with Mrs. B.F Dvorak and Mrs. V.E. Johnson. They were charter members of the Prairie Hills Girl Scout Council when it was organized in 1956. Mrs. V.E. Johnson was the first president of the Council.

   An all time high membership of 163 was reached in 1963. There was an urgent need for a place to meet, so under the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Placek and Mr. and Mrs. Gus Anderson, barbecue chicken dinner benefits were held in the City Park to raise funds to build the Scout House in Placek Park. Many volunteers helped with this project, one of whom was Mrs. Delmar Nozicka, who later became a leader in 1972. Membership in the 1970's leveled off at about 65 to 75 girls and averages that today.

   There are members in all age levels -- Brownie, Juniors, Cadettes and Seniors. Present leaders are Mrs. Greg Wonka, Mrs. Tom Voboril, Mrs. Jim Lierman, Mrs. Dan Spicka, Mrs. Marvin Fujan, Mrs. Robert Cherovsky, Mrs. Donna Robbins, Ms. Delmar Nozicka, Mrs. Sharon Savery and Mrs. Dennis Tejral. A well rounded program of camping, crafts, singing and community service projects is provided. The girls attend a special event each year which is a council-wide activity of workshops, entertainment, and meeting of troops from other towns. A resident camp is held in July at Camp Crossed Arrows, the Council's camp near Nickerson. A Cadette and Senior bus trip is sponsored by the Council each year along with cross-country skiing. Scouts in Wahoo help other organizations with community projects and hold clean-up days in the parks or along roadsides. Day Camps are held in the summer in Cook and Placek Park.

   In 1961, representatives of the Girl and Boy Scouts appeared before the City Council seeking permission to begin work on a tract of land at the North end of Broadway Street, which was deeded to the City of Wahoo by Mr. Emil E. Placek. Mr. William Placek who was on the City Council at that time began development of the plot of land by landscaping. At that time, there were 170 registered Brownies and Girl Scouts and 52 leaders. There was the need for a permanent place to hold their meetings. Plans for the Scout House were drawn in 1962, with a call for the start of construction when $7,000 had been raised. It would take an estimated $10,000 to complete the building. The business men were generous in their support of the project.

   In August, 1963, Mr. and Mrs. William Placek and Mr. and Mrs. Gus Anderson were co-chairmen for a chicken barbecue in the City Park to raise funds for the project. The chicken barbecues were continued for six years and served to an estimated crowd of 650 persons each year. The first year the chickens were bought for 60¢ each and cabbage was 6¢ a pound. Tickets sold for $1.25. The help of the Scouts, their leaders, and the community was credited for the success of the venture. Without the talents of the chef, Mr. A.J. Vance, the event might not have been so well received. Not only the women, but the men too, stood by to watch the unique talents of Mr. Vance, a gourmet of outdoor cookery. The Scout House is used during the summer months for Brownie and Girl Scout day camping.

   At the dedication of the Girl Scout House, Mr. Emil E. Placek, the donor of the Park to the City, told the girls, boys and their leaders, "It shall be your duty to carry the flag of democracy to keep this country from communism." Mrs. William Placek said of her husband, William, and Mr. Emil Placek, "The true measure of life is not the duration, but the donation," both of whom have served well in promoting "the good life" for the Citizens of Wahoo." Submitted by Gertrude Placek

PIONEER NITE LEAGUE

   In 1935, the Wahoo baseball team played in the Platte Valley League, consisting of the towns of Yutan, Bennington, Millard, Papillion, Gretna, and Wahoo. We tied for the championship of the league but lost the playoff game to Papillion.

   In 1936 the Wahoo team joined the Elkhorn

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Valley League with David City, Schuyler, Fremont, Scribner, Hooper, Arlington, and Blair.

   Wahoo won the League championship in 1938, losing only one game in the season. The highlight of this year was the chartering of a train for the team and fans making the trip to Schuyler for the July game. The response was tremendous. A full train and a win!

   In the winter of 1939-40, the Pioneer Nite League was organized for the purpose of playing night baseball exclusively. The original members were David City, Schuyler, Fremont, Millard, Tekamah, and Wahoo. This League operated until 1942, at which time it was suspended for the duration of World War II.

   In 1946 the League was revived with an additional two teams, Stromsburg and West Point. Wayne and Pender joined the League in 1948. In 1949 it was divided into two divisions, the North and the South. In 1946, badly in need of a new grandstand, the Board's decision to raffle off a new car meant a summer of feverish activity. Members of the Board, their families, and other interested fans of baseball followed the car to every celebration in the area for the purpose of selling tickets. A sum of $7000 was raised and the grandstand was built. Crowds of 2500 were not uncommon.

   The last year of the League was 1950.

   Bob Cerv, who played with Wahoo, starred in baseball and basketball at the University of Nebraska. Later, he became a star hitter and outfielder with the New York Yankees. Submitted by Bob Carlson

Sam Crawford Field -- Wahoo
Sam Crawford Field -- Wahoo

BALL TEAMS

   The youth of today is very active in Wahoo during the summer months.

   In the fall of 1967 a group of concerned citizens of Wahoo met to evaluate the city's management of the youth summer baseball program. They felt the city's involvement was limited to providing dollars which only went to a person who was supposed to administer the program. Further investigation provided their equipment not only lacked in quantity but quality as well. The group decided to form an organization to supplement the summer program. The "Wahoo Youth Activities Association" was born. Their goal was to provide a safe and sound program for the youth of Wahoo. The programs grew and prospered and expanded to girls as well as boys, and provided basketball, football, as well as a baseball program.

   Some of the summer ball teams for youth ages 8-11 are Boys Tee Ball, PeeWees, Traveling PeeWees, Girls Softball, Girls traveling softball, etc.

   These young teams are sponsored by various town organizations. Team names are printed on their shirts. Much fun and fundamentals are gained through these summer ball games in June and July.

   In 1980, the City of Wahoo purchased and developed the Civic Center, and administration of these programs was returned to the city under the leadership of the Civic Center and Recreation Director who is employed by the city. The Youth Association is still active in supplementing both financially and physically these programs in addition to maintaining the American Legion Baseball program and was instrumental in establishing the town team baseball.

WAHOO CENTENNIAL 1870-1970

   One of the most spectacular events to happen in the Wahoo area was the Centennial celebration in July, 1970.

   In the summer of 1969 a group of concerned citizens met to discuss a Centennial celebration for Wahoo in 1970. This group became the Wahoo Centennial Corporation. Officers were Pres., Richard Weaver; Vice Pres., Donald Virgl; Secy., Barbara Peetz; and board members Dorothy Anderson, Mrs. Derrel Ludi, LaRoy Seaver, Clarence Boesel and Frank Gostomski. The Corporation met with and hired the Rogers Company of Illinois, a professional production company that produces and directs all kinds of celebrations. An Executive Committee was formed consisting of Honorary Chairman, Mayor Dr. J.R. Swanson; Headquarters Chairman, Dorothy Anderson; Operating Capital Co-Chairmen Richard Weaver and Jerald Volin; Treasurer, Raymond Fiala; and Secretary, Mary Ann Petska.

   To finance the Centennial, Stock Certificates were issued at $1.00 a share. Many businesses purchased 100 shares or more. A contest was held to design the Centennial Seal, which was won by Miss Mary Gillett, a student at J.F. Kennedy College. A contest was held to name the celebration and forthcoming pageant. The name chosen was "WAHOO CENTURY ROUND-UP" and was submitted by Mrs. Donovan (Verna Ruth) Larson. The Centennial Plate was designed by Dorothy Anderson. All of the historical groups in Saunders County were contacted for stories, pictures and histories of the area by Clyde Womall, to be used by Terry Rowell, a professional, sent out by the Rogers Company to write, produce and direct the historical Spectacle. This information was also compiled, edited and designed into the official Historical Book by Dorothy Anderson.

   The historical pageant was presented July 22, 23, 24, 25. It consisted of 18 episodes and told the area history and much more. There were 475 people in the cast, from all over Saunders County, and another 45 back stage. The two most prominent cast members were "The Visitor," Dr. Frank Machovec and "The Future," Ward Haessler.

   The show played to at least 1000 people every night, from all over the State of Nebraska. Co-Chairmen for the Spectacle were Mrs. Derrell Ludi of Wahoo and William Vavak of Mead, Nebraska. Other committee chairmen for the pageant were: Cast -- Barbara Kling; Grounds -- Donovan Larson; Properties -- Robert Janecek; Construction -- Harold Manstedt; Costumes -- Mrs. J.R. Swanson; and Fireworks, Joe Divis.

   There were many other events leading up to the final week of the celebration. The Special Events division was chaired by Rev. Joseph Mroczkowski V.F. and Mrs. Betty Patzloff. There was an Ethnic Day, a Birthday Party Day with the oldest citizens being honored, a Fashion show and Centennial Tea, a Flower show with 331 entries, put on by the Wahoo Garden Club. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday were Dress-Up days. The store windows were full of Antiques and some had false fronts in keeping with the event. Gene Harris was chairman of the Floats and Caravans that attended all parades and celebrations in the State, to promote the Wahoo Centennial and this group was headed by "Wahoo One Feather," Mrs. Betty Patzloff.

   The Centennial Coin, which was the official seal, was struck in Sterling and Bronze. Matched numbered sets were auctioned off, with Number One going for $100.00. A building was donated on the Main Street, by Garwood Anderson and a store was opened up to sell Centennial clothes and all permits etc. This was run by Dorothy Anderson, and served as the Centennial Headquarters. Brothers of the Brush chapters were formed for the beard contests. Shavers permits were sold for the clean shaven. Peddlers permits were sold to all salesmen coming into Wahoo. Centennial Belles chapters were formed for many activities.

   A downtown promenade was held every Saturday night and A Kangaroo Kourt and the Keystone Kops, headed by Delbert Manske, was very much in evidence. Anyone caught violating the dress code, or not having a permit for whatever the Kops could think of, ended up in the jail or the horse tank. The Ak Sar Ben races held a feature race honoring the Wahoo Centennial. A blanket printed with the name and dates was presented to the winning horse and a centennial coin was presented to the winning horse's owner and jockey by "Wahoo One Feather." About 60 people, in Centennial dress, attended this event in Omaha. Threshing Bees, with antique farm equipment were held. Mr. and Mrs. Vennie Kavan and their nine children, all in matching Centennial outfits, made by Mrs. Kavan, came to town. The Wahoo Newspaper published a Centennial issue in three sections, compiled and edited by Mr. and Mrs. Derrell Ludi, full of stories and pictures from the past.

   One of the loveliest events was the Centennial Queen contest and ball. There were 37 queen candidates. The ball and crowning of the Queen was held at the Starlite Ballroom with at least 400 people attending. Miss LeAnne Patzloff, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Patzloff, was named Centennial Queen. Her attendants were Margaret Shanahan, Ruth Oden, Eloise Bankus and Paula Johnson.

   The largest and longest parade in Saunders County history was headed by Jerry Volin. It lasted 4 hours, had 300 units including 14 bands, 40 floats and 10,000 spectators with many state dignitaries attending.

   It would be impossible to name all of the chairmen of the many events or list all of the people involved in an event of this magnitude. Needless to say that almost everyone in Saunders County was involved in one way or another. Either in the pageant, lending antiques and props, or just coming to town and getting involved in the promenades and Kangaroo Kourts.

   The Wahoo Centennial Corporation was a non-profit organization. However, through the work of everyone involved, they made a very nice profit and the money was divided between the libraries of the Wahoo Public High School, Wahoo Bishop Neumann High School and the John F. Kennedy College Library.

Betty Patzloff, Dorothy Anderson, LeAnne Patzloff (DeCoste)
Betty Patzloff
Dorothy Anderson
LeAnne Patzloff (DeCoste)

Vennie Kavan Family 1970 Centennial
Vennie Kavan Family 1970 Centennial

COMMUNITY MEN'S CHORUS

   The Community Men's Chorus was established in April of 1975 when twelve men in the Wahoo community area got together at Wahoo High School to sing for one hour, and at the end of that time, to determine if the sound merited continuation of the group. The twelve were pleased with what they heard, and the Community Men's Chorus in the Wahoo area was formed.

   From its inception, the chorus has accepted the invitation to sing for any group, regardless of size, time, or place of performance.

   A positive influence in setting up and guiding the group the first year was Boyd Bacon, vocal music

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