STOCKING PRECINCT

90th Anniversary of Stella Chapter No. 57, Order of the Eastern Star 1st Row: Louise Nelson, Helen Heise, William Placek, Gertrude Placek, Clifford Nelson, Evelyn Knox, Ethel Torrens, Jacquetta McMaster. 2nd Row: Arlene Deerson, Henrietta Dvorak, Neva Peters, Laura Motes, Dorothy Snelling, 3rd Row: Marjorie Alm, Jocelyn Stromberg, Merle Stromberg, Mary Hall, Clarence Person.

   On April 7, 1892 there was a meeting in the office of Mason Ellsworth for the purpose of organizing a Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. With Rebecca Beermaker acting as chairman, a resolution that a Chapter be organized was unanimously adopted. On motion the name of the proposed Chapter was to be "Stella Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star." The following persons were recommended as officers: Worthy Matron, Anna Leiter; Worthy Patron, Mason Ellsworth; and Associate Matron, Orpha Good. Then followed a list of 59 names petitioning the Worthy Grand Patron for a dispensation authorizing the organization. Among those most familiar were the Killians, Pickets, St. Martins, Lemkuhls, Ann Polsley, Maucks and the Cooks.

   Then followed the organization meeting with 39 being initiated. Completing the list of officers were: Mrs. Henry St. Martin, Mrs. Wilde, Mrs. Mason Ellsworth, E.E. Good, Mrs. J.N. Davis, Mrs. Charles Perky, Mrs. H.H. Dorsey, Ann Polsley, Mrs. F.P. McCutchan, Mrs. Thomas Killian, Mrs. F.C. Baldwin and Mrs. N.H. Bell.

   The second and fourth Tuesdays of each month were fixed as dates with meetings to be held in the IOOF hall, with rent to be $30 annually. The Chapter membership grew steadily through the years. The highlights of the years were the visits of the Grand Officers. Those from this Chapter who have served as Grand Officers are Stella Thorson, Worthy Grand Matron, 1928; Ruth Person, Grand Organist, 1941; Kenneth Stewart, Worthy Grand Patron, 1957; Clyde Worrall, Worthy Grand Patron, 1959; and Gertrude Placek, Worthy Grand Matron, 1969. Ethel Torrens and Myrna Christenson have served as Grand Representatives.

   The Chapter sponsored an Order of the Rainbow for Girls for eleven years. Wilma and Edward Bejvancesky served as the first Rainbow mother and dad. Stella Chapter has contributed generously to the support of the two Masonic homes, the Masonic Home at Plattsmouth for its older members and the Masonic-Eastern Star Home for Children at Fremont.

   Now, celebrating its 90th year, the Chapter has a membership of 108 resident and 128 non-resident members.

   The present officers are: Gertrude Placek, Clifford Nelson, Evelyn Knox, Edgar Knox, Jocelyn Stromberg, Merle Stromberg, Marjorie Alm, Ethel Torrens, Helen Hise, Mary Hall, Louise Nelson, Henrietta Dvorak, Neva Peters, Laura Motes, Toni Ecklund, Dorothy Snelling, Roy Johnston, Clarence Person. Arlene Deerson, serves as soloist. Submitted by Laura Motes

   The Wahoo Garden Club was organized in March, 1964 with twenty members. The purpose of the club was to stimulate the love of gardening, to beautify our community, to enrich human life, and to preserve our natural resources. The first officers were: President -- Ruth Lindquist, Vice President -- Mabel Roberts, Secretary -- Helena Nyquist, and Treasurer -- Dorothea Brodd.

   The first of many activities was a small flower show with 158 entries. This show was followed by many others with entries close to 400. All the shows have been standard shows. One won a National Award and others have won state awards.

   Beautifying the Saunders County Historical House is an ongoing project. This project honors Wahoo's five internationally famous men: Dr. Howard Hanson -- musician and composer; Dr. George Beadle -- Nobel Prize winner and geneticist; Darrell Zanuck -- President of 20th Century Fox Film Corporation; Clarence Anderson -- author and artist; and Sam Crawford -- Baseball Hall of Fame member. For this project the club received three monetary awards from Sears Roebuck & Co.

   In honor of the Nebraska Centennial year, an unsightly plot of ground at Wahoo's south entrance was cleared and planted and became the Centennial Garden. This is planted and cared for each year by the members.

   Looking for another project, the club planted the old Luther College Campus with trees, shrubs, and flowers. This campus was then occupied by J.F. Kennedy College.

   Backed by the Wahoo Newspaper, a "Most Beautiful Yard" project was initiated and drew much favorable comment from the community.

Wahoo Garden Club rescuing the newly planted arboretum from weeds in 100° temperature -- Dorothea Brodd, Ruth Lindquist, Gladys Swanson, Vera Swanson, Florence Olson, Clara Veskrna, Elma Loukota, Mildred Cameron

   As the years went by, the club established plantings at the city park, swimming pool, Civic Center, Care Center, and have had a total of 20 flower boxes constructed and planted and placed along the downtown streets.

   In 1969 a Junior Garden Club was organized and sponsored by the Wahoo Garden Club to interest children in gardening. Many plants were given to the Juniors with lessons on individual plant care.

   After the Historical Museum Building was completed, the Garden Club assisted in landscaping the grounds. Ninety-three trees and shrubs and an old-fashioned flower garden soon beautified the grounds.

   In 1970 the Club was honored to have Ruth Lindquist installed as State President of the Federated Garden Clubs of Nebraska.

   Gov. James Exon presented the W.G.C. with an award for their work in the Community Involvement Program. The U.S. Forest Service gave the Club the Federal Conservation Award for tree planting. From the Rocky Mountain Region Forest Service came the Conservation award for "Outstanding Accomplishment in Conservation of Natural Resources."

   Contributions have been given to Youth Service camping and the All Star Girls Basketball game. For Grade School children, the Smoky Bear Poster Contest has been another ongoing project. Many small monetary awards are given for the best posters.

   In the interest of conserving our Natural Resources, a scholarship is awarded to the High School senior writing the best speech on a conservation topic chosen by a National Chairman. Eleven students from Wahoo High and Neumann High have been recipients of these awards.

   The "American Land Trust" has been established to preserve a tract of land in its Natural Prairie state, unique to the state of Nebraska to be enjoyed by future generations. The Club contributes to this project and is an Honorary Trustee.

   World Gardening is an International Organization that assists underdeveloped countries to become more self-sustaining. Contributions are sent from W.G.C. each year.

   An Arboretum is now a reality in Saunders Co. At the present time, 88 trees are their first planting. W.G.C. has assisted in its maintenance.

   At this time a study is underway to locate the Historic Trails in Saunders County.

   Money used by the Club for the community projects comes from spring plant sales and holiday plant, craft, and bake sales, which are well supported by the people of the community. We cherish the past, cultivate the present, and create the future

Hilltop Country Club

   The first golf course in the Wahoo area was laid out on the Kralik farm adjacent to Wanahoo Park sometime during the early 1920's. In 1927 the golf course was moved to the Charles A. and Emma Cook farm 3 miles south of Wahoo on Highway 77. The course was opened with a golf tournament on May 15th in which the golfer having the most birdies was awarded 4 sacks of cement from D.R. Phelps Lumber Co. While at this location, a small club house was built.

   At the annual meeting in January, 1934, a committee was appointed to investigate the possibility of locating the golf course closer to Wahoo. It was later reported that two parcels of land were available for rent: one southeast of the City Light Plant owned by the Hudec brothers, and one on the west edge of town owned by Harry J. Woodworth. In May, 1934, by a vote of 19 to 9 it was decided to locate the course west of Wahoo.

   The new course was seeded in September of 1934, and in October a golf professional from Lincoln came to Wahoo, located all greens and tees for a fee of $6.00 which was paid by Pres. Dr. J.F. Lauvetz personally.

   In January, 1935, the Wahoo Country Club was formally incorporated to "manage a golf course and club house in or near the City of Wahoo for the health, recreation and social enjoyment of the members."

   In March, 1950, the Club purchased 44.5 acres of the Charles A. Styskal farm one mile south of Wahoo for $10,750.00. In June, 1952, Hilltop Country Club, Inc. was incorporated and took over the assets of the Wahoo Country Club.

   Much of the lumber used to build the present clubhouse was obtained by members razing a farmhouse located within the Mead Ordnance Plant. The course originally had sand greens but was converted to grass greens during the 1950s. With a great deal of labor by the members, many trees were planted and other improvements to the course and clubhouse have been made. Helen Simmerman

   On April 10, 1969, the Mrs. Jaycees of Wahoo held their first meeting. The officers for this new chapter, which consisted of 22 members were: Donna Simonson, President; Maurene Johnston, Vice President; Gerry Bohac, Treasurer; and Carol Carmer, Secretary. The three board members included Linda Scheuneman, Mary Edgar, and Karen Fauver.

   The primary purpose of this organization was,

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and is, to cooperate with the Wahoo Jaycees when promoting programs of usefulness for the community, state, and nation. Promoting good fellowship and helping our members grow personally and as leaders are some of the aims of this organization.

   Some of the projects from 1969 to 1983 which have helped our community include donations to the Fire Department, helping the Saunders County Hospital, helping Foster Children and SCOMR individuals, assisting with Kindergarten Round Up, introducing the community to Patch the Pony and his mission, renting and selling "Love" car seats for the Buckle-Up-Babes program, and organizing the Tiny Tot Swim Program.

   Over the past twelve years there have been two changes in our structure; open membership so any young woman can join, and in 1982, our name was changed to the Wahoo Jaycee Women.

   The officers for 1982-198 are Vicki Arp and Carol Jasa, Co-presidents; Pat Cox, Secretary; and Judy Weyand, Treasurer. The three board members are Mary Pruss, Pat Hunter, Susan Hraban, and Kay Abbott. Ginny Puffer

PART OF THE OFFICERS OF WAHOO COUNCIL 1833, KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS FOR THE YEAR JUNE 1982-JUNE 1983 -- Left to Right, Front Row: Ron Sladky, Trustee; Stan Petska, Financial Secretary; Francis J. Divis, Grand Knight; Robert Meduna (Colon), Deputy Grand Knight and General Program Chairman. Back Row: Richard Meduna, Youth Activities Chairman; Peter Matulka, Jr., District Deputy; Paul Virgl, Recording Secretary; Donald Tvrdy, Treasurer.

   On April 2, 1916 James A. Flaherty, Supreme Knight and Wm. J. McGinlay, Supreme Secretary signed and affixed the Supreme Council Seal to the Charter of the local Knights of Columbus. Thus originated Wahoo Council No. 1833. Charter members were: Rev. M. Bor, P.P. White, J.E. Vlach, P.B. Phelan, C.J. Ficenec, M.J. Rochford, Dr. J.F. Lauvetz, D.F. Dwyer, M.M. Coady, D.M. Shanahan, J.G. Teigeler, H.J. Rehak, A.E. Koutney, F.L. Cernik, J.J. Virgl, C.S. Hruby, T. Dailey, W. Polak, J.M. Pollard, L.E. Fraley, F.E. Woita, A. Hakel, M.J. Brabec, G. Pollard, E.V. Hruby, V.A. Wolters, P.P. Cernik, T.J. Hrdlicka, E.L. Klotz, T.A. Murren, J.H. Barry, F.J. Polak, F.J. Hakel, J. Kearney, T.E. Rochford, D.C. Rochford, E.L. Kudrna, D.E. Dwyer, J.L. Phelan, H.J. Gorman, C. Ryan, A.J. Wostrchill, J.J. Kudrna, J.D. Dwyer, A.A. Hruby, J.L. Morrisey, F.J. Vybiral, J.L. Koutney, J. Jisa, M. Hobza, J.F. Woita, J.P. Barry, A. Benal, G.J. Kirchman, H.J.C. Virgl, E.P. Malloy, L.J. Kudrna, T.C. Dwyer, C.H. Snelling and F.W. Fanning.

   The present meeting hall located on the corner of seventh and Linden Streets, Wahoo, Nebraska, purchased in the summer of 1963, was formerly the old Presbyterian Church. Prior to that time, meetings were held above Wolf's Grocery Store (Presently the office of Dr. Ted Japp D.C.), above the present Coast-to-Coast building, and above the Wahoo State Bank building. It is not quite clear if these were the only early meeting places, since many of the early records have been lost. The present hall, over a period of years, has been renovated and remodeled. Presently plans are being made to add a ground level entrance, complete with wheel chair ramp, to the basement.

   Charity, Fraternity, Unity and Patriotism are the virtues by which all Knights of Columbus try to live and also serve their church, council and community. Activities include recitation of the Rosary for all deceased members as well as for deceased parents or wife of a member; Corporate Communion once a year in each parish represented, and family potluck suppers to observe special occasions such as Christmas, Easter, Mother's and Father's Day, Valentine's Day and Columbus Day. Stags and Stag-Stagettes are held to help raise money. An annual children's picnic is held and also an annual adult steak fry. Support and financial assistance are given to local youth groups, as well as Pro-Life organizations. A monthly bulletin is also published.

   Present Council officers are: Francis J. Divis, Grand Knight; Robert J. Meduna (Colon), Deputy Grand Knight; Paul Virgl, Recorder; Donald Tvrdy, Treasurer; Father John McCabe, Chaplain; Paul Cernik, Chancellor; Dennis Brabec, Warden; John Brabec, Advocate; David Tvrdy, Inside Guard; Gerald Vasa, Outside Guard; Stan Petska, Financial Secretary; and Bob Matulka, George Simodynes and Ronald Sladky, Trustees. Regular monthly meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month.

   The COLUMBIAN SQUIRES is the official junior organization of the Knights of Columbus, involving young men between the ages of twelve and eighteen. The objective of the program, sponsored by the local Knights of Columbus, is to assist young Catholic boys through their adolescent years and to develop leadership among the young men by affording them frequent opportunities to assume responsibility, demonstrate initiative and direct their own affairs. The Squires program functions around five separate activity committees: service, spiritual, civic-cultural, social and athletic. The young men, having formed the Bishop Neumann Columbian Squire Circle 253 on November 2, 1980, elect their own officers and operate in much the same manner as does the local Knights of Columbus Council.

   Among their activities are the monthly collection of newspapers for recycling, and the annual collection and repair of toys at Christmas time. These are later distributed to local under-privileged children through the local welfare office or the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

   Present officers are: Bill Meduna, Chief Squire; Steve Sladky, Deputy Chief Squire; John Benal, Notary; Terral Brabec, Bursar; Jeff Meduna, Marshal; Nick Hedges, Sentry; Rich Tvrdy, Knights of Columbus representative and Father Douglas Fuller, Father Prior. The group meets regularly on the third Monday of each month. Submitted by Mrs. Francis Divis

Wahoo Lion's Club

   Wahoo Lions Club, the third oldest in District 38B was chartered May 5, 1922, with Dr. R.F. McCreery serving as the first President. The Club was honored by having Alfred Brodahl serve as District Governor in 1946-1947.

   During the 40th Anniversary, the club honored five of the Charter members, Ferd Anderson, Alfred J. Brodahl, S.M. Hult, L.A. Phelps and Dr. Charles Way.

   Two new clubs, Ashland and Ceresco, were sponsored by the Wahoo Lions Club.

   One of the Lions Club's objectives is to encourage service-minded men to serve their community without personal financial reward. During the past sixty years many worthwhile projects have been sponsored by the Wahoo Lions Club in the following areas.

   HOSPITAL: Subscribed funds to purchase land for the site of the Saunders County Community Hospital; New Flag pole for the Care Center; Illuminator Magnifiers to Care Center and Haven House; Fetus Monitor; Two I.V. infusion pumps.

   COMMUNITY PROJECTS: Rodeo and Fair Parade; T.B. Seals Sales; Polio Drive; Boy Scout Drive; Tree Planting Program; March of Dimes Campaign; Donations towards purchase of tennis courts at John F. Kennedy College; Playground equipment for City Park; Donations toward purchase of weight machine at the Civic Center; Marker on the Court House lawn commemorating Saunders County History; Donation to the Jaws of Life.

   SWIMMING POOL: Because City of Wahoo was restricted to a $35,000 bond issue, the Lions undertook to raise $16,000 to finish the pool.

   LIONS SEEING AND HEARING PROJECT: Donation to the Eye Institute Center at the University of Nebraska Hospital, Omaha; Barr Laboratory for hearing aid, University of Nebraska; Collection of cards for donors to Nebraska Lions Eye Bank; Donation of glasses to needy children; Collection of used eye glasses; White cane days; Large print book for the Wahoo Library; Annual Glaucoma Clinic; Subscriptions to the large print Reader's Digest and Guidepost for the Civic Center and Haven House; Annual donations to Nebraska Lions Sight and Hearing conservation foundation; Lions Clubs International foundation; Leader Dog program; Hearing Dog program.

   LION SERVICE DAYS IN OCTOBER: Members painting bleachers; cleaning up parks and Civic Center, and other projects.

   YOUTH PROJECTS: Annually honor Seniors from Wahoo High School and Bishop Neumann High School; Youth Exchange program; Two students came to Wahoo from Europe to live six weeks with families.

   The Lions Club celebrated its 60th Anniversary on May 18, 1982.

   January 20, 1875 a meeting was held for the purpose of organizing a Masonic Lodge in Wahoo. The first officers to serve under a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Nebraska were J.C. Polsley, Worshipful Master; M.B. Reece, Junior Warden; M.L. Ellsworth, Junior Warden; J.N. Davis, Treasurer; N.H. Bell, Secretary; E. Pickett, Senior Deacon; J.D. Cook, Junior Deacon; T. Reader and J. Scrivener, Stewards and J. Reader, Tyler.

   At a stated meeting, under dispensation, J.N. Davis received his Master Mason degree on May 1, 1875. He was the first candidate to receive this degree in this lodge.

   The Lodge received its charter June 23, 1875 and had 14 members at that time, and has grown steadily through the years.

   The location of the first lodge room is rather

Masonic Temple -- Wahoo, NE

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indefinite, but research reveals that it was in a building owned by Dayton Andrus and was located at Second and Chestnut Streets. This building was later moved to the South side of Fifth Street and Linden. In 1882, John Beermaker replaced this building which was to be known as the Beermaker Block. The Lodge moved into the upper story and used it from January, 1883 until April, 1938.

   April 14, 1924, the Wahoo Lodge No. 59 A.F. & A.M.; Wahoo Chapter No. 43, R.A.M. and Stella Chapter No. 57, O.E.S. organized a corporation known as the Wahoo Temple Craft Association for the purpose of buying real estate with a view to some day erecting a new Masonic Temple Building. This dream was realized on August, 1938 the Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Nebraska laid the corner stone of a $54,000 fireproof, modern building. The second floor houses all the Masonic bodies. It is of interest that Earl H. Staudinger, contractor of Wahoo erected the new Temple and not long afterward became a Mason.

   Those of this lodge who have served as Grand Masters of Nebraska are J.C. Reece, 1885, Ernest Schiefelbein, 1950 and Howard Hunter, 1972. The Grand Representatives are Henry L. Rood to Maryland and Alfred G. Wurst to Germany.

   A reception on June 11, 1972 was held to honor Howard Hunter who was elevated to the position of Grand Master of Nebraska, with attendance of many Masons and friends from towns in Nebraska.

   Wahoo Lodge No. 59 A.F. & A.M. has contributed generously to the support of two Masonic Homes -- Masonic Eastern Star Home for Children and the Masonic Home at Plattsmouth for its older members.

   September 11, 1975 was an important date in the history of the Lodge when it commemorated its centennial anniversary.

   The Lodge is now going on to the second century with a membership of 101 resident and 71 nonresident members. Among the above, are 22 fifty-year Masons.

   The present officers for 1983 are Lorain F. Steiner, Master; Harry Berman, Senior Warden; Lyle D. McKlem, Junior Warden; Henry L. Rood, Treasurer; Glenn F. Peetz, Secretary; Donald L. Veskrna, Chaplain; Edgar F. Knox, Senior Deacon; Charles H. Wagner, Junior Deacon; Robert W. Beaman, Senior Steward; Steven B. Gerdts, Junior Steward; and Paul E. Rood, Tyler.

   Odd Fellowship on the American continent was founded on April 26, 1819 by Thomas Wildey in Seven Stars Tavern in Baltimore, Md. The first Odd Fellow Lodge in Nebraska was instituted in Nebraska City on May 28, 1855. Wahoo Lodge #58 was instituted on Janaury 17, 1884 with eleven charter members, namely; C.F. Williams, S.W. Storm, J.N. Davis, J. Lindercamp, F. Koudele, D.R. Phelps, H.F. Blunk, J.E. Lamb, J.E. McKee, C.C. Antram and J.A. Baker.

   The first officers were: C.F. Williams, Noble Grand; J.E. Lamb, Vice Grand; D.R. Phelps, Secretary; and J.N. Davis, Treasurer.

   The emblem of the Odd Fellows is the Three Links denoting Friendship, Love and Truth.

   Odd Fellows are loyal to the Country to which they live and the flag of that country means more than any emblem under the sun.

   This great Order is made up of men of character, men of stability but not necessarily men of wealth -- that is wealth in dollars and cents -- but yet men of wealth, because of the great work they are doing in the world.

   The Odd Fellows sponsor many projects, among them the Educational Fund. This fund lends money to qualified young people for furthering their education. The United Nations Pilgrimage each year sponsors young people on a tour to places of historic interest and a week's stay in New York City, where they view the United Nations in action. They have funded a chair for Eye Research at John Hopkins University in Omaha, Nebraska. In May of each year, the Odd Fellow and Rebekahs are privileged to place a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. They also contribute money for the building of a float in the Rose Bowl Parade each year.

   For many years the Odd Fellows met on the third floor of the building which now houses the Sears store. In 1930 the present building was purchased, the Odd Fellows occupying the second floor and the Wigwam Cafe, the first floor.

   In 1984, the Odd Fellows will be observing their 100th anniversary and an appropriate celebration is being planned.

   The present officers of the lodge are: Lloyd Johnson, Noble Grand; Art Lindau, Vice Grand; Orion Rosengren, Secretary; and Dwain Benson, Treasurer.

   The P.E.O. was founded by seven girls at Iowa Weslyan University, Mount Pleasant, Iowa in 1869. Their college organization has expanded into many chapters in the United States, Canada, and abroad. The headquarters office is in Des Moines, Iowa.

   Chapter I, Wahoo, Nebraska was organized January 24, 1890 by Ella Jamison Collins (Mrs. Clinton) who had known some of the founders when she had been a student at Iowa Weslyan. Mrs. William Lindley of Wahoo is a great granddaughter of Mrs. Collins, who was the first president of Chapter I.

   The P.E.O. Sisterhood is an organization devoted to philanthropy and the education of women.

   P.E.O. projects include the support of Cottey College, Nevada, Mo. nationally known for excellence in education. Other projects are an educational loan fund for women college students, an international educational loan fund for women students of foreign countries, and a grant fund for women who need education to provide them with careers which will make them self-supporting. Funds for educational loans are obtained by applying to local P.E.O. chapters.

   The Nebraska P.E.O. Sisterhood sponsors a retirement home for P.E.O. members at Beatrice, Nebraska.

   All P.E.O. members are encouraged to be active in local projects and to encourage the education of women where and when possible.

   The ability to affect and the capacity to accept change are implied in the thinking of the original group. Some things never change. P.E.O. with its 103 years of chapter life and work in its great educational philanthropy demonstrates that it has been true to the standard set over 100 years ago by seven college girls.

   The Order of Pythian Sisters is a caring, altruistic and benevolent Ladies Rank -- the Auxiliary of the Order of the Knights of Pythias. It is International in scope. The Order originated in Warsaw, Indiana Oct. 23, 1888, and the first Grand Temple was instituted June 4, 1889 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

   Calanthian Temple #43 of Wahoo, Nebr. was instituted March 3, 1922 with thirty-eight Sister members and twenty-eight Brother Knights, and increased tremendously for many years until the war years and the "great depression" of the early 30's took their toll. Our Temple still takes an active part in civic affairs and their individual altruistic response is above reproach.

   The Temple has had five Grand Chiefs for the State of Nebr., namely, Mrs. Elva Berggren, Mrs. Mildred Lindley Burmeister, Mrs. Betty Reed Borreson who are now deceased; Mrs. T.R. (Ethel) Haney and Miss Adell Sudik, who are active members at the present time.

   The history of our work has always been beautiful and spiritual, with altruism for those outside of our Order as well as members. And despite the cries of pessimists, our history of dedicated Fraternalism still goes on.

   Purity Rebekah Lodge #81 of Wahoo, Nebraska was instituted on October 13, 1892, by George L. Loomis, Grand Master of the State of Nebraska. There were 43 charter members. The first Noble Grand was Mae Frush of Wahoo.

   For many years, the Odd Fellows and their female counterparts, the Rebekahs, have sponsored a United Nations Pilgrimage tour annually, affording the young people of Nebraska a chance to see the United Nations, the Capitol, and many, other historic places throughout the eastern part of this country.

   For several years the Rebekahs have provided cookies and coffee for travelers at the rest stops on Interstate 80 during the Fourth of July Holiday.

   Through the years the Rebekah Lodge has been dedicated to helping their fellow man.

   In the summer of 1975 a group of Retired Teachers met at the Methodist Church in Wahoo at invitation of Dorothy Beatty, State Director, to discuss the organization of a Wahoo Area Unit of Retired Teachers.

   As a result the following became charter members: Imogene Pellatz, Lucy Norenberg, Charlotte Hageman, Laura Motes, Ellen Patton, Marjorie Smith, Elva Schultz, Eathel Vance, and Kathryn Wilcox. Officers elected were: President, Imogene Pellatz; Vice President, Laura Motes; Secretary, Kathryn Wilcox; Treasurer, Charlotte Hageman.

   In the following months the membership grew when retired teachers from Ashland, Wahoo, Ceresco, Valparaiso, Weston, Malmo, Mead, Prague, and Ithaca joined the group.

   Now in 1983 there are 43 members. Officers are President, Sylvia Hellerich; Vice President, Ethyle Jo Isaacson; President-Elect, Dorothy Kemerling; Secretary, Laura Motes; Treasurer, Elva Schultz. Past Presidents are Imogene Pellatz, Christine Nygren, and Vernice Johnson.

   The Unit meets 6 times a year at members' homes, at the Wahoo museum, and at Community Centers in Ceresco and Greenwood. The programs are informative and entertaining, followed by refreshments and a social hour.

   This is a National, State, and Local organization. Wahoo Unit members have attended National Conventions at San Diego, Minneapolis, Annual State Meetings at Kearney, and Workshops in Lincoln. Also they have exchanged visits with neighboring Units. Something worthwhile is always brought back from these conventions and visits.

   The members of the Unit have been responsible for helping with many civic activities throughout the county. Among them are: remembering friends at nursing homes, tutoring, assisting with Festival of Tables in Lincoln sponsored by the Retired Teachers, and helping at Senior Centers. During the summer they act as hostesses at the Wahoo Museum on the weekend opening days.

   When the District 42 country school was moved into the Historical Complex, the members of the Unit took charge of the cleaning and furnishing of the schoolhouse.

   New members are always welcome to this organization which asks little but gives much. Submitted by Laura Motes

Saddle Club

   In 1942, Mr. and Mrs. William Placek were interested in organizing a Saddle Horse Club in Wahoo. An article in the newspaper encouraged those interested to attend a meeting. They were surprised -- not by the number, but the enthusiasm.

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