UNION PRECINCT

for $54.70, and an electric wire cutter for $4.85. Gas masks were discussed but it was decided to borrow them from service men. In 1932, the fire bell was replaced by a 5-horse power electric siren, purchased from the Nebraska Power Company for $379 installed. A box was built on a Model T Ford frame to carry hose and equipment. This was pulled to the fire by a fireman's car. This equipment was used until December 1946.

YUTAN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT -- Standing: Dean Mahrt, Pete Crawford, Les Zwiebel, Ed Robinson, Ed Shivley, Ervin Drews, Richard Milenkovich, Bill Sellin, Bill Lastovica, Robert Perkins, Ed Lastovica, Allen Rowell, Glenn Lund Jr., Ashley Story, Duane Ptacek, Richard Fisher. Seated: Robert Barta, Robert Hageman, Robert Belik, Mary Jo Robinson, Judy Perkins, Douglas Harrison, Eldon Moser.

   A fund raising drive started in 1945 netted $3,645 toward the cost of a 500-gallon per minute pumper truck. The balance for the new truck was paid by the Fire Department (about $555), the Village (about $310), and a $400 loan to the Firemen by the Village.

   A petition drive sponsored by the Yutan Grange was successful in getting the Yutan Rural Fire Protection District #12 formed in 1959. Tax funds levied by the district paid for a two-stall fire hall and a 1200 gallon tanker truck. A new pumper was put into service in 1969, replacing the 1946 model. A 4-wheel drive vehicle, obtained from the U.S. Forest Service in 1970, was equipped for fighting grass fires. This vehicle was replaced by a later model in 1980.

   The first two-way radio was installed in the tanker in 1965. All of our vehicles are now equipped with multi-frequency radios plus a base unit in the Fire Station.

   In October, 1960, the Yutan Citizens Rescue Squad was formed. A used panel truck was equipped through voluntary contributions. The Squad became a part of the Fire Department in 1965. A fund drive, kicked off with a bingo game in September 1965, raised enough money to purchase and equip a new Econoline van which was put into service in September 1966. This unit was replaced by the Rural Fire District in January 1978 with a larger better equipped unit.

   A four-stall addition was added to the station in 1975. The Department is now manned by 30 members which includes 2 women. A continuous training program has kept the personnel up-to-date in all phases of fire fighting and rescue techniques. All members carry First Aid cards and most members are Emergency Medical Technicians.

   The Department has been an active part of the Saunders County Fire Fighters Association since it was formed in 1960. Also because of our proximity to Omaha the Department was accepted into the Tri-Mutual Aid Association which consists of Cass, Douglas, and Sarpy Counties and the surrounding areas.

   So that our heritage will be preserved for the future the Hook and Ladder Wagon and the Fire Bell have become a part of the Fire Fighters Museum which is to be built at the Stuhr Museum at Grand Island.

   The 1983 officers of the Department are: Robert Hageman, President; Eldon Moser, Chief; Duane Ptacek, Assistant Chief, and James Wortman, Rescue Captain. Submitted by Lester Zwiebel, Yutan

   Old settlers have said that the first school in the Yutan area was a one-room log cabin on the Hans Hollst property about a mile south of the present site of Yutan. The school had benches but no desks nor chairs. Short terms were held in summer after the spring work, and in winter after harvest. Miss Susie Wuthrich, who taught for several years in the Yutan School, received some of her early education in this school.

Yutan School in 1900 and used until the brick schoolhouse was built in 1916.

   As early as 1869, land had been appropriated for District #9, and in 1876 a one room schoolhouse was built where the Elementary School now stands. According to one report, there were between 75 and 80 pupils, and Mrs. Anna Barton was the teacher. The school was enlarged to two rooms in 1890, and to three rooms in 1900 when a ninth grade was added. This was expanded to ten grades in 1910 when Joseph Mengel was superintendent of the school. Students wishing further education went to Wahoo, Fremont, or Lincoln to attend High School.

   Mr. Mengel was superintendent at District 9 from 1892 to 1903 when he became the County Superintendent of Schools in Saunders County. Other School Superintendents at Yutan from 1903 to 1914 were: A. W. Morris, Lawrence Perrine, Donald Young, Charles Wortmann, Miss Ladenburg and Clifford Ireland. Local teachers during this period were: Minnie Duerrbaum (Standen), Susie Wuthrich, Bernice Peters (Newman), Joanna Peters, Lil Ohmstede (Pollock), Marie Peters (James), Minnie Fuchser, and Mary Griffin (Meis).

   By 1914, the school was getting so crowded that two downtown buildings were rented for class rooms. Mrs. Marie Peters James recalls teaching in one of the buildings: "Equipment for the primary group (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grades) consisted of a pot-bellied stove, a table for the water bucket and basin, little red tables and chairs for 38 pupils, and an old pump organ for music. Some of the children spoke only German. For me it was a happy experience and I have been proud of those pupils and their accomplishments."

A new brick schoolhouse was erected in 1916 in Yutan.

   A new brick schoolhouse was erected in 1916 while Clifford Ireland was superintendent. This housed the first 12-Grade School. The bond issue was passed June 1, 1916, and the building was completed in December of that year. Board Members at the time were: John Heldt, Joachim Hollst, "J.N." Peters, Otto F. Peters, John Storm, and Fred O. Zaugg. The Contractor was Joe Schlesiger.

   The first 12-Year graduates in 1920 were: Clarence Fuchser, Frances Harmon, and Paul Sievers. Gladys Starmann should have graduated with this class but she had taken Teachers' Examinations, passed, and had accepted a teaching position.

   Until 1916, there was no hired custodian. Part of the teacher's job was to keep the rooms tidy, carry fuel and start the heating stoves in winter. Often older boys would help. But in 1926, with a much larger structure, a furnace, and a bigger playground, it became necessary to hire a custodian. Mr. William Wannow was employed and served well for 15 years. He not only cared for the building, but he planted trees and shrubs and instructed youngsters in caring for them.

   Classes were quite small for many years. In the Kindergarten through 8th Grade there were three classes to a room with one teacher for each room. In the High School there were usually about 40 to 50 students with 4 teachers, including the superintendent. High School students were expected to take 4 subjects a semester, -- English, Mathematics, History, Science, and Latin, Home Economics and Manual Training were taught on a regular basis. Education was very much a part of a child's growing up, and Graduation Day was of special importance in the life of the community.

   During the late 40's and early 50's some of the rural districts had trouble in getting teachers and began contracting with Yutan to send their pupils to town. By 1957 Yutan became a Consolidated School District with Districts 7, 8, 9, 10, 37, and 66 becoming part of the consolidation. A bussing schedule was started in 1957 to take children back and forth. The Leshara School District was included in the Yutan consolidation in 1964.

   By 1960, the 1916 Schoolhouse was beginning to be very crowded. A bond issue for a new Elementary

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building at a cost of $130,000 was passed September 15, 1964, the new building to be constructed just north of and adjoining the old school. The Kindergarten and the first six grades moved into their new quarters in 1966. There were 7 class rooms, a multi-purpose room, a kitchen, administrative offices, and toilet facilities. Board Members during this period were: Eland Mumm, Norman Peters, Kenneth Mumm, Wayne Widman, Harold Zwiebel, and Lloyd Mumm.

   Adjustments and repairs were made in the old school building to meet fire codes, and the Senior and Junior High School classes were able to spread out into the vacated space. The Remedial Reading Room and the Elementary Library remained in the old building.

   From 1944 to 1963 Herman Furrer served as Custodian of the School. He was just as helpful in caring for the school and its grounds as his predecessor, and just as helpful with the children. His wife Helen became manager of the cafeteria when the school luncheon program began in 1954, and she did many extras for the teachers and students, making bread and cake and cookies, popping corn for the Pep Club and helping with their snack booth when the basketball teams played and for other school activities.

Junior-Senior High School built in 1974 -- Yutan

   The matter of a new High School had been under discussion for several years. A merger with a neighboring town was considered, as well as a plan to join in a large consolidation to form a County School. But with the local school growing and with a housing development starting east of town it was finally decided to build a new High School in Yutan. Construction was started in 1974 for a Junior-Senior High School after much consultation with architects, construction companies, and equipment companies. Contracts totaled $1,352,852 when the building was finished. Classes moved into the new building in February 1975, with dedication services in May 1975. School Board Members serving during the planning and construction were: Winfred Stamp, Otto Cate, Kenneth Mumm, Thelma Norton, Keith Rogers, Wayne Widman and Marvin Zaugg.

   The new Junior-Senior High School building seemed spacious to the students as they moved during the semester break in February of 1975. There were 58,000 feet of floor area, which included a large gymnasium, a music room, a library, administrative offices, a Commons area, a stage with access from both sides, a kitchen, a dining area, Home Economic facilities, Art rooms, Commercial and Typing area, a Teachers' Planning room, a Teachers' Lounge, Classrooms, toilet facilities, and custodial rooms.

   An Omaha bank has a record of a deposit by the Bank of Yutan on November 22, 1888, which included $1,000.40 in gold. The earliest written record at the Bank of Yutan shows a Certificate of Deposit issued November 26, 1888, in the amount of $100.00. This Certificate paid 7% and was a "call" Certificate and cashed in December 8, 1988. Apparently this was a private bank until 1890.

   On June 2, 1890, the bank was incorporated with the following as original stockholders: John Peters (grandfather of Hubert Peters); Otto Peters; John Dunning and A.B. Detweiler. John Peters was elected president; John Dunning elected Vice President and A.B. Detweiler elected Cashier. The original stockholders also served as the first Board of Directors. On October 1, 1895, the bank received Charter No. 465 from the State Banking Board as provided in the Banking Act of the State of Nebraska approved April 8, 1895.

   John Peters came to Saunders County in 1871 shortly after emigrating to this country from Germany. Prior to incorporating the bank he served as a County Commissioner in Saunders County from 1873-1875, and was senior member of a general merchandise and farm implement store in Yutan.

   Since its early beginning the Bank of Yutan has been a family owned and operated business. Three of his sons have been associated with the bank: John N. Peters (President-Director); Otto Peters (President-Director) and Herman Peters (Director). Grandchildren connected with the bank include Hubert Peters (President-Director); Fred Peters (Cashier-Director) and Norman Peters (Cashier-Director). Fred also served as Director of Banking, State of Nebraska from 1943 to 1947.

   The next generation to work in the bank include Douglas Peters, David Peters, Constance Peters Freed, Virginia Peters Anderson and Mary Peters Casper.

   The current generation involved with the bank find Carole Anderson Newbern and Steven Anderson, making them the 5th generation of the original stockholder, John Peters.

   Wives and husbands of the above have also been active in the operation and management -- Laura Peters, Elsie Peters, Neva Peters, Isabelle Peters, Marion Freed and James Anderson.

   The original wood frame building, occupied from 1888 to 1907, is still in use and is presently a beauty shop. This building served the community until 1907 when a brick building was erected with an addition in 1963. This building is also in use today and serves as the Village of Yutan offices.

Bank of Yutan

   In 1980, a new building was constructed on the site of the old lumber yard. This building contains a drive-up window, night depository and other modern conveniences which the early settlers did not have. Some of the old fixtures from the other buildings are still with the new building. The "cannonball" safe which now sits in the lobby came from the lst building and old timers tell of moving it to the second building with horses and poles.

   During its existence the bank has had one robbery. This occured October 20, 1937, and netted the lone robber $514.25. The robber also robbed the bank at Colon and later Leshara. He was captured near Valley, Nebraska after the Leshara robbery by a posse of citizens from Yutan and Valley and law enforcement officers from Douglas County.

   Present officers and employees are James Anderson, President; Neva Peters, Vice President; William Lastovica, Cashier and Karen Storm Fisher, Annette Mumm Rogers and Thelma Anderson, Assistant Cashiers.

   Serving on the Board of Directors are James Anderson, Steven Anderson, Thelma Anderson, Hubert Peters, Neva Peters and Marion Freed. "Hub" was first elected to the board in 1916 and except for the period 1918-1920 when he was in the army during World War I has served continuously. "Hub" also served as President from 1930-1977.

   The bank has 21 stockholders with 77 percent of the stock presently held by the heirs of the original stockholders. Much of the balance of the stock has been held by families and passed from one generation to another.

   1983 marks the 95th anniversary of serving the Yutan community and the Bank of Yutan is proud to be a part of the history of Saunders County.

Irene's Place -- Yutan

   Irene's Place is on the corner of Second and Vine Streets. Mrs. Trost purchased the store in 1961 and has operated it for the past 22 years with the help of her daughter, Karen Frahm, and Mabel Eggers, Caroline Frahm, and Joella Pacas.

   Old Timers seem to think that there has always been a store on that particular corner with Henry Reese as the first owner. The next owners were probably Ray and Rose Phillips, then Charles and Irene Hein. Delwin Johnson ran the store for a few years, selling it to Donald Mumm.

   Clifford and Grace Ricketts purchased the building and changed it from a general store to a coffee chop and variety store, giving it the name "Grace's Place" partly because of the popularity of Princess Grace of Monaco at the time but mostly because it was Mrs. Ricketts' first name. At this time Edwin and Howard Yocum operated an appliance store in one-half of the building.

   Mrs. Trost continued the place as a coffee shop and variety store. It is a good corner to meet for a cup of coffee, to visit with friends, perhaps to exchange some local news, or to enjoy a bowl of soup or a tasty beef-burger. After buying the store in 1961, the matter of a name was considered. Since "Grace's Place" had been the title for several years "Irene's Place" seemed a good designation. Submitted by Mrs. June Trost

   With the advent of the automobile and farm tractor there was need for the repair and fuel supplies for these machines. The building at 607 2nd street was built in 1914 by Joe Schlesiger and operated by William and Herman Mumm as a new car dealership and shop for many years. The Mumm interests were sold to William Kolb in 1945. It was operated by Earl Finley and Bruce Warner for a few years, then sold to Homer Yohe who operated it until Jan 1951. Les Zwiebel purchased the business and building and operated it until February 1980. It is now operated by James Buller.

   Yutan Oil Company was started as a bulk station for farm delivery in 1920. It was moved from the Burlington railroad site to the Union Pacific in 1924

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by Frank Deerson and Harry Sievers who built the first station on the corner of 2nd and Maple. Carl Stange began working there in 1927 for Fred Loeffler, purchasing it in 1946. Carl built a new station in 1958. It was sold in 1962 to Leonard Gramlich and operated by Merle Street. Charles Trost managed it and later purchased it in 1971.

   The Farmers Union Co-op was organized in 1931 and built a bulk station on the Burlington. The farm delivery service was operated by Gustave Krahmer until 1949 and by Hubert Bromm until 1974. It was taken over by Clarence Witte who had built a service station on highway 92 in 1956. The Witte family continues to operate the station. The Co-op fuel delivery service is now handled by the Saunders County Co-op in Wahoo.

   A garage was also built at 404 2nd street. It was operated by Carl Oakesen, Roy Brown, Fred Loeffler, and Kenneth Short until the mid fifties. It is now owned by Trost Feed and Seed and used for feed and fertilizer storage. Submitted by Lester Zwiebel

   The business was established by Lee, Markle, and Wagner in 1944 as the Red & White Store & Locker. The store was located in the building that was previously owned by John Wicht. It was first operated by Henry McAuley of Wahoo. After several years it was managed by Arlie and Bertha Beach, who moved to Yutan from Minnesota. When the Beaches moved to Firth, Nebraska, the management was assumed by Irving Stange, who had been employed there since 1946 when he returned from serving in the Army during World War II in the Pacific area.

   In 1956, he purchased the business from the owners and changed the name to Stange Grocery & Locker. In 1966, the store was renovated and a Laundromat was added. Irving has been in the store for 36 years. The business from Yutan and the surrounding area has been appreciated and has made it possible to maintain a business in this area.

   Richard and Frances Timm bought the Corner Bar on May 1, 1966 and renamed it Rich's Bar. The family moved to Yutan at that time with the children, Tom, Lee and Christi.

   Richard's grandparents were Chris and Bertha Kolb, mother, Frances (Kolb) Timm. Mrs. Richard Timm was formerly Frances Lewis of Valley.

   In 1976, Richard and Frances purchased the building from Mrs. Dallas (Elnora) Wells. In 1980, the old chimney was removed from the bar and a new floor was installed. In 1982, another improvement was made with steel-siding.

   Richard passed away on June 8, 1981. His wife Frances continues to manage the Bar.

   Leonard and Verona Trost purchased the Grain Elevator, now known as Trost Feed and Seed, Inc., in 1962, from Fred Loeffler. The original frame elevator burned down in 1963 and was replaced with a new structure in 1975. About the same time the old office was replaced with a new building. Because some of the men in town and some farmers in the surrounding area had used part of the old office for a meeting place, the Trosts included a recreation room in the new building, and this is still used as a gathering place for the men to meet and visit and perhaps play a few games of cards.

   The Trosts also purchased land about ¼ of a mile north of the main elevator and grain bins have been constructed on this site. A son, Larry Trost, is now president of the Company but the Senior Trosts remain on the Board of Directors. The Company presently employs six people, including another son, Terry. The chief purpose of the business is buying and selling grain, and selling feed for livestock. Submitted by Verona Trost

   Basketball and baseball have always been important sports in the Yutan School. Up until about 1960 the school was in the "E" Class. In 1924 the Boy's Basketball team won the State Championship, and several times they were privileged to take part in County and District Championships.

   Baseball was played during the 40's and 50's, and the boys won the County honors in 1951.

   Six-Man Football was started in the 50's and the school always seemed to field a pretty successful team. Later the school had eight-man teams, and now there is an eleven-man team.

   Track came into its own in Yutan with the Frog Capitol Relays for both boys and girls in the late 60's. Yutan Boys won Runner-Up in 1971 and 1974, and were Champions in 1975.

   Girls' basketball was ruled out in 1927 and was not re-instated until 1975. But the girls played volley ball many of the intervening years and during the 50's won several District Meets. There are many trophies that testify to their successes.

   The curriculum today differs greatly from courses taught in the 20's. Trigonometry, Chemistry, Science, Journalism, Typing, Shorthand, Accounting, Speech and Drama, Art, French, Industrial Arts, Auto Mechanics, History, Music and Band, provide a practical and well-rounded curriculum.

   There are now 16 faculty members in the Elementary School besides the Principal; there are now 19 faculty members in High School besides the Superintendent and the Principal; there are 23 other employees including custodians, cooks, bus drivers, and aides. The total enrollment of pupils is approximately 500, with about 225 in the Elementary School, and about 275 in the Junior-Senior High School.

   Present School Board Members are: Ronald Romans, John Simons, Doris Karloff, Richard Thomas, Barbara Smith, and Sandy Asher.

   School Superintendents from 1917 to 1983 are: Mrs. Florence Calloway, Paul Young, Maurice Shickley, William Parkinson, Glenn Luehrs, Stewart Catlett, Laurence Bausch, Paul Smith, Brian Wadsworth, Fred Pokorny, Earl Dasher, Earl Moeller, Clarence Lovell, Roger Clough, Ralph Baldwin, Carroll Krause, Jack Welch, Gunnar Nyholm, Ronald Burns, and Nelson Hinkle. Submitted by Emily (Mrs. Harvey) Mumm

   The Boy Scout Organization is the largest of any group in the free world. There are more than fifty million Scouts or former Scouts.

   To be a Boy Scout a boy must have completed the 5th grade in school or be eleven years old or older but he cannot have reached the age of 18. He must understand and intend to live by the Scout Oath, the Scout Law, the Scout Motto, and the Scout Slogan. He must know the Scout Salute, Sign, and Hand Clasp, and know when to use them. He must understand the significance of the Scout Badge and agree to follow the outdoor code.

   There are over 100 different merit badges to be earned, and each of the subjects studied provides a new learning experience. The specific aims of the Scouting program are to assist boys in the development of character, citizenship, and fitness.

   It could not be learned when the first Boy Scout Troop was organized in Yutan. The oldest living Boy Scout is Homer Bohlen who still lives in Yutan; he joined the Boy Scouts in 1918. Past leaders have been: Rev. Arthur Crisp, Paul Smith, Carlos Johnson, Howard Hancock, Carrol Lehnert, Dennis Trost, Gary Griffin, Cathi Dunton, Chuck Dunton, and Danny Street. The present leader is John Sawyer.

   Past leaders of the Cub Scouts and Webelos have been: Keith Krahmer, Warren Hayes, Eland Mumm, Jr., Ted Schulz, Dennis Johnston, Robert Perkins, Jack Duncan, Chuck Dunton, Milo Van Camp, and Dr. Robert Christensen. The present Cubmaster is Ronald Kastner, and the Webelos leader is Rudy Wiese.

   Backers are always necessary for organizations, and a Board is set up to assist the Scout leaders, to provide financial help, and to find leaders for the Troops. Some who have served on these Boards are: Hubert H. Peters, Oscar Schulz, Clifford Ricketts, Luther Schulz, Roy A. Johnston, Howard Hancock, Carrol Lehnert, Marvin Nelson, Louis Witte, Dr. Robert Norton, Carl Stange, Glenn Miners, Lester Drews, and Mary Kay Arp.

   Present Board Members are: Warren Hayes, Chairman; James Drews, Bill Sellin, Susie Wiese, Audrey Hancock, and Marlene Hassler.

   Hubert Peters served on the local Board for over 20 years, and also served on the District Board and the Covered Wagon Council. In 1977, the "H.H. Peters Award" was established in honor of his many years of faithful service to the Scouting movement. The first one to receive this award was Roy Johnston in 1977. Others receiving the award were: Charles Dunton in 1976, Warren Hayes in 1979, Wilma Johnston in 1980, Howard Hancock and Carl Stange in 1981, Lester Drews in 1982, and Glenn Miners in 1983. The award is given to people who have contributed time and effort to Scouting.

   American Legion Post No. #262 sponsored the Scouts for many years. The present sponsor is St. John's Lutheran Church. Submitted by Warren Hayes.

   The Yutan Community Club was organized March l0, 1926. Its purpose was to promote, encourage, and assist in the development and improvement of the community. Meetings were held once a month at the town hall which was then located at 3rd and Vine. Members were assessed 50 cents a year for dues. Committees were set up for special purposes.

   The Good Roads Committee worked with the County Commissioners and the State Highway Commission to get better roads in the area and to get the highway west of the Platte River paved. The Baseball, Pug Ball, and Amusement Committees were kept busy during the summer months with ball games and outdoor movies. The Club also helped with other problems as they arose, such as children tampering with mail boxes in the postoffice, getting a sewer system for the town, and in 1945 helping a new doctor build an office. On this latter project hundreds of volunteer hours were spent tearing down the old Woodman building, cleaning lumber and bricks which were to be used in building the office.

   The Club became inactive in the 1950's but the charter was kept current by the town board. Then in 1975, the Club was reorganized with 22 local groups taking part to plan and promote the Yutan Centennial for 1976, and to continue the purposes for which the Club was originally formed.

   The Community Club was instrumental in getting Chief Itan Park started as part of Yutan's Centennial celebration. The Village voted to acquire land. Federal aid was applied for and received. The Club raised funds to pay the local share in order to keep the Park off of the tax rolls. The Park now has a ball field, sanitary facilities, a parking area, picnic shelter and grill. Many trees have been donated and planted by volunteers. A children's playground is now taking shape, and Itan Park is becoming a good place for recreation and enjoyment.

   The Club sponsors "Yutan Day" each year. Money raised by the Club is used for a doctor fund, a scholarship for a High School Senior, books for the library, rescue squad equipment, first-aid supplies for Soft Ball teams, Christmas baskets for Yutan Shut-Ins and those in Nursing Homes. Plans are now being made to purchase new Christmas lights for the town. Submitted by Dennis Trost, Club President

   The Yutan Garden Club was organized June 23, 1937. The twelve Charter Members were: Mrs. Chris Beutler, Mrs. Frank Brabec, Rev. and Mrs. Myron Harrison, Mrs. Julia Hirsch, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Loeffler, Mrs. William Nissen, Mrs. George Schulz, Miss Rose Siebken, Mrs. Fred Stamp, and

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