MARIPOSA PRECINCT

School Dist #97 -- 1929
Back Row, Left to Right: Helen Bruce, teacher, Henry Novak, Thomas Kavan, Karl Wayne Bruce and Charles Novak. 2nd Row: Lillian Logan, Violet Anderson, Mildred Anderson, Winona Turnwall, Mildred Novak, Lillian Paseka, Wilma Novak, Alyce Novak. 3rd Row:	David Carlstorm, Frank Kavan, Anton Paseka, Arnold Oberg, Donald Lindgren, James Paseka, Kenneth Turnwall, Melvin Turnwall. Front Row: Bertrand Turnwall, Richard Paseka, William Novak, and Warren Lindgren.

well near the building for drinking purposes only. The outhouses were to the right and left of the schoolhouse for the girls and the boys likewise. School was in session from nine to four; however, in the winter or muddy days, we had half-hour noon period and no recesses which gave us the privilege to be dismissed at three thirty. Most of us walked to and from school unless we were lucky to have a ride in the spring wagon drawn by a team of horses. Some folks had a buggy with a top, which kept the rain from getting the riders wet. Sometimes our father would come to get us with horses and sled in the wintertime.

   In 1926, a new one-room schoolhouse was built and given the name of Pleasant View School, because it was located on a hill and you could see a long way in all directions. Our teacher at this time was Helen Bruce, now living in a care home in Omaha, Nebraska. She managed the school very well and we respected her. New outdoor toilets were built, but the water system was the same. We had one improvement in the drinking water, because we now had a stone jar type of fountain and each child had to use his or her own glass.

   Since the attendance was so large in this school, we were able to present nice programs which attracted a lot of people in the area. I remember the practices and the excitement of the preparations for these events. There was a full basement where a coal furnace was used for heating now. A kerosene burner stove was purchased for the purpose of making coffee for lunch to be served after these programs. I believe the charge was either 10¢ or 25¢.

We also had box socials once a year, when our father, Louis Novak, helped as auctioneer. He also served on the school board for several years. I graduated from the eighth grade in 1931.

   Thru the years, Irene Fjellin, Helen Bruce, Genevieve Bruce, Deloris Johnson, Laverne Lindgren, Lucille Herrick, Twila Belle Holtorf, Loretta Gottberg, Minnie Bergmann, Marilyn Erickson, Marjorie Sorenson, Mildred Roufek, Mrs. Ivan Jambor and Marretta Lindgren taught in this school. E.A. Odman was county superintendent of schools for many years. Upon his visits to the school he would bring a sack lunch. As children, we were eager to know what he may have to eat that must be much better than we had. To our surprise, he unwrapped wax paper from a baking powder biscuit that had sort of a burned top, made into a ham sandwich.

   The District was consolidated with Wahoo in 1968. An auction was held in 1969 at which time the books and furnishings were sold. The building still stands and is privately owned. Submitted by Mildred Novak Pacal

   The Burlington (C.B. & Q.) Railroad built a branch line from Ashland through Malmo to Schuyler in the summer of 1886. The Malmo Post Office was established in December, 1887. Gustaf Bredenberg was appointed postmaster. Charles Helsing served as mail messenger on a tri-weekly route between Wahoo and Malmo until 1890. Then, the Burlington Railroad contracted to carry the mail.

   The first post office was in the General Merchandise Store of Bredenberg & Frostrom, located on the west side of Main Street, north of the present Security Home Bank. John Frostrom was appointed postmaster in 1897.

   The post office moved to the General Merchandise Store on the east side where the Community Hall now stands. Various owners were Alfred Bredenburg, Julius Olson, Alfred Brodahl and Sorenson Brothers, Alfred and Herman. This store burned to the ground in February 1928.

   Jacob Frahm, a Civil War veteran, was named postmaster in 1902. The post office was moved into the building known for many years as Joe Jenny's Barber Shop. Through the efforts of David Arp, a 26-mile Rural Route was established January 1, 1902. Mr. Arp was appointed carrier. In 1905, Joseph Bredenberg became postmaster.

   Nathaniel Wilson became postmaster in 1907 and the post office moved into a building on the northeast corner of the Malmo Square, 1907-1925. Agnes Holmes, Edith Isaacson and Eleanor Carlson were appointed postmasters in 1909, 1910 and 1915 respectively.

   April 1, 1921, Josephine Holtorf was placed in charge of the post office; she was officially appointed on May21, 1921. On October 28, 1925 Josephine L. Holtorf and Joseph Jenny were married. The post office was moved into Joe's Confectionery. In January, 1927, the post office was moved back to the west side. The Burlington Railroad discontinued carrying the mail in 1934. Since then, the mail has been delivered by a star route carrier.

   The post office was moved into Jenny's new building south of their other buildings in December, 1951.

   Josephine L. Jenny served Malmo and the community as postmaster for forty-five years; she retired October 31, 1966. She was recognized as the oldest postmaster in years of service in the Wichita Postal Region and in the Midwest.

   Mrs. Alice (H.J.) Holtorf was named Acting Postmaster. July 1972, Ray Taylor, Omaha postal employee, was appointed postmaster. Betty Jane Barry is Malmo's present postmaster, appointed in July 1974.

   The post office was advanced from Fourth Class to Third Class in 1945. In 1943, fourteen miles south of town had been added to Malmo's rural route.

   January, 1904, David Arp was appointed rural carrier serving Malmo. In 1906, Orpheus Kemmerling was appointed; during his service the horse and buggy were discarded for the automobile. Mr. Kemmerling died in 1931; his son, Elmer, was temporary carrier until Walter Anderson, a Colon rural carrier, was transferred to Malmo in 1932. Mr. Anderson received a disability retirement in 1949. Dale Holtorf, Anderson's substitute, was appointed carrier and served until his accidental death on September 30, 1971. After his death, the Malmo route was added to a Wahoo route; however, mail is still serviced from the Malmo office. Bob Norenberg is the carrier.

   Memorable Event: Malmo sponsored a First Day Air Mail Flight on May 19, 1938, the Twentieth Anniversary of Air Mail. The airfield was the Herman D. Anderson meadow about three miles northwest of Malmo.

   Isla was the first post office established in Mariposa Precinct, Section 10, in 1875. It was named after a village near Malmo, Sweden and discontinued in 1887, when the Malmo, Nebraska post office was established. Submitted by Josephine L. Jenny

   The first American Legion was organized at the Paris Caucus held from March 10th to the 17th in 1919. On May 6th to the 10th in 1919, the first U.S. Caucus was held in St. Louis; the first National Convention in Minneapolis on November 10th to the 12th in 1919.

   On March 10, 1920, a group of local residents applied for a temporary charter as follows: Gustave Houfek, Harry Olson, James Nalezenek, J.V. Katstrom, Hilyard Erickson, Carl Milton, George Hills, Everett Barry, Johnnie Theede, Gustave Kjellberg, and Lars Kjellberg.

   On March 15, 1920, the charter was granted to them by the National Headquarters and became Post #232, named after Arthur Adolphson.

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Malmo American Legion Arthur Adolphson Post #232

   In 1925, there were twelve members that had to either dissolve the unit or raise enough money for their existence. With the use of a few dollars, they decided to have an oyster feed, which they held in the old Town Hall, one block east of the present Veterans Building. Together with donations and continued projects, they continued to have progress.

   On August 30,1961, the present building was purchased. It was formerly the Potadle Grocery Store. It was remodeled into the present Veterans Hall, located on Malmo's main street. In 1953, a community benefit auction was held for the purpose of a polio fund drive. The Malmo Fire Department has helped the Legion with this project since this first drive. The people in this town and community donate baked goods, hand made articles, canned goods, dressed fowl, and other numerous products. The local auctioneers donate their services for these auctions, together with a lot of wit and fun, which really makes a nice evening of entertainment for all.

   Due to these efforts, the area has been able to make generous contributions to nine different local charities. This is a family affair and, therefore, eliminates these same people from having to make private donations.

   In 1967, the Malmo Centennial was held when the noon meal was served to 2500 people, prepared under the supervision of J. Edwin Johnson, a Legionnaire, with the help of the Post and community. A parade that lasted an hour and a half took place in the afternoon, making it a memorable day for everyone.

   In 1976, a flag pole and memorial was erected on the north side of the boulevard, together with the Malmo Fire Department, in memory of the departed members. Each Memorial Day the names on crosses with poppies are set in rows on the grounds near the memorial. The Malmo Fire Department shares the memorial with names on the crosses of their deceased members also. A service is held here each Memorial Day, before the Legion and Fire Department march to the Covenant Cemetery one-half mile north of Malmo to continue with the service.

   Each year, an Easter egg hunt is held for the enjoyment of the children in this community.

   The present officers are: James Bauer, commander; Dennis Fujan, vice commander; Medford Barry, financial officer; Fred Proskovec, adjutant; and Henry Novak, service officer. The Post presently has 70 members. Submitted by Mrs. Elmer Pacal

   The first Auxiliary Unit to be organized in Saunders County was the Malmo Unit organized June 16, 1920. There were fifteen Charter members. These were: Mrs. F.J. Hills, Miss Alta Hills, Mrs. Geo. Pollard, Mrs. J.H. Holtorf, Miss Mathilda Holtorf, Miss Clara Holtorf, Miss Josephine Holtorf, Mrs. E.L. Thompson, Miss Selma Sorenson, Miss Hilma Lyon, Mrs. Fred Booth, Miss Nathalie Bruce, Mrs. Carl Carlson, Miss Amy Erickson. The first officers were: Mrs. Geo. Pollard, Chairman; Miss Selma Sorenson, Vice Chairman; Miss Clara Holtorf, Secretary; and Miss Alta Hills, Treasurer.

American Auxiliary Arthur Adolphson Unit #232 Malmo, Ne.

   Arthur Adolphson Unit 232 received its permanent Charter in 1921. Arthur Adolphson, after whom the Post was named, died in France in November, 1918, of influenza.

   The 20's were the years when the organization was in its infancy. They met on an irregular basis, either with the Legion or in member's homes. Mathilda Holtorf and Mrs. Geo. Pollard attended the first State Convention held in Fremont in 1921.

   In the early years, the meetings had varied activities for fund raising and entertainment. They made wool quilts, sewed carpet rags, had box socials, picnics, gave plays and helped with any community activities.

   During the depression of the 30's, it was difficult but somehow they managed to keep going. Malmo hosted the first joint County meeting in 1934. John Holtorf was County Commander and Mathilda Holtorf was County President. The entertainment for the evening was a movie shown outdoors with planks for seats. The county presidents from the Unit have been: Mathilda Holtorf, Josephine Jenny, Luella Barry, Alice Holtorf, Agnes Fujan, and the present county president, Deloris Lindgren.

   Mathilda Holtorf served as District President in 1949-50. During this time we had four Gold Star mothers and five Gold Star sisters. The Gold Star mothers were: Hulda Hulstead, Anna Huddle, Media Andersen, Ruth Eichmeier, Esther Nelson, Marie Nielson, Edmie Bachand, Virginia Nelson and Anna Mae Person.

   Membership reached an all-time high of over ninety in the 50's. A gavel bell was awarded the Unit for this accomplishment. Today the membership is around 80. We have three members who have belonged for 62 years: Mathilda Holtorf, Josephine Jenny and Amy Houfek.

   Throueh the years the programs have changed. Emma Houfek and Alice Holtorf were recognized for the carpet rags they sewed. Today, Alice Nau and Henrietta Dvorak were honored for the hours of escort work they contributed to the Lincoln Veterans Hospital. Instead of local picnics, we are now giving picnics for hospitalized veterans. Instead of carpet rags and woolen quilts we are making lap robes, favors, slings, slippers, etc. for the hospitalized veterans. We help with the Easter Egg Hunt and Halloween party for children. We observe Memorial Day by decorating graves and helping with the community program. We sponsor Girls' State, give flags to schools, promote flag etiquette, work at blood bank, and are always ready to talk about Americanism.

   We are a proud organization, proud of our heritage and accomplishments, thankful for our freedom and our country. Submitted by Shirley Holtorf

Malmo Fire Department

   The first Malmo Fire Department was originated in 1909. The first fire chief was Henry Olson; there were seven volunteer members. A bucket brigade method was used to control fires with water being pumped from private-owned wells. City water was installed in 1912, and, in 1913, a man-drawn hose cart was purchased and a block building was erected to house this equipment. A bell on top of the building was rung to remind the firemen of their meetings, which were held on Thursday evenings. If the bell was heard at other times, it meant there was a fire and all firemen should report for duty.

   In 1940, a Reo truck was purchased from Ole Anderson, Wahoo, Nebraska, for a hundred dollars. The fire siren was put in, in 1941. The Malmo jailhouse burned down in about 1947 at which time the hose cart and the Reo truck were used to control the spreading of the fire.

   A block building was erected for this equipment.

   In 1954, a new truck was purchased just in time to battle the elevator fire at the Bachand Grain Company in town. A new building was erected on Main Street that same year to house four trucks, two pumpers, 1 tanker and a vehicle for hauling various fire equipment. The bell was moved to the top of the new building.

   During the years, the department took part in many area festivals, being in parades and competing in many water fights. They have won about 40 trophies and proudly display them in the meeting hall. They have sponsored dances for different occasions at the Starlite ballroom. Volunteer membership has increased to 35 members since 1967.

   They have held pork, sauerkraut, and dumpling feeds for the past 12 years, the first one being held on March 6, 1971. With the help of their wives, they prepared this meal at the Malmo Veterans' Hall, and have continued to do so for the past twelve years. The group has enjoyed many hours of fun and laughter while preparing for these occasions.

   The enjoyment and fun of these evenings have been a huge success due to the cooperation of the community. The next Stag-ette will be held February 19, 1982.

   At the present time, there are 16 members that have over twenty years membership.

   Bohumil Dvorak has been a fireman since 1937.

   Charles Simanek has served as fire chief for 34 years. Submitted by Mrs. Elmer Pacal

   Reverend Reuben Kron was the Scoutmaster. Louie Alhstrom was an Eagle Scout. Some of the members were Jerald Volin, Ray Cihal, Don Pipkin, Gawaine Dvorak, Reuben Kron Jr., Paul Sorenson, Gary Dauel, Robert Nau, Jimmy Anderson, Tommy Anderson, and others.

   The Scouts often met in the Lutheran Church basement and in the various homes. They earned many badges and studied from the scout handbook. The mothers served lunches.

   Extra activities were: planting trees at Camp Cedars, swimming parties at Fremont, camping out overnight, and making breakfast in the mornings, sometimes south of Malmo and sometimes at Camp Cedars. Once a year they would have early breakfast at the Lutheran Church with parents, have a meeting, and some Scoutleader from Omaha would talk to them. They were sponsored by Malmo American Legion.

   Another group of Scouts in the 1940's were led by Rev. Jerome Ahlstedt of the Malmo Covenant Church and by Malmo High School teachers, Fred Evans and George Henney. The Arthur Adolphson American Legion sponsored them. Some had uniforms and proudly wore them. They went on hikes, camped along Duck Creek, camped in the Malmo Park, cooked out, held Boy Scout Exchange, marched in parades, helped with traffic during Fremont 4-H fair, and helped park cars at Wahoo fair. Don Pipkin attended a National Scout Camp. Some of the boys belonging at this time were: Charles Simanek, Delmar Moody, Kenneth Moody, Melvin Pipkin, Junio Gibson, Carl Peterson, Wayne Vermeline. At another time: Harley Ockander, Kennard Swanson, Elmer Carlson, Gerald Bartusek, Bill Moody, Dick Meusborn, Richard Nelson and others.

   Malmo Girl Scout, Lone Troop 1, was organized February 28, 1952, at the District 36 schoolhouse with 13 girls joining. The Troop was sponsored by the Malmo American Legion Auxiliary. The Investiture Ceremony was held the following May in the Town Hall with Mrs. V.E. Johnson and Mrs. Jack Swanson of Wahoo conducting. Serving as Color Bearers were: Yvonne and Eleanor Johnson, Jewel Swanson, and Katherine Murphy, Girl Scouts of Wahoo. Janet Nygren was pianist for the ceremony.

   Mrs. Bohumil Dvorak, leader and Mrs. Fred Volin, assistant, were both invested and given pins.

   Troop committee was: Mrs. John Booth, Chairman; Mrs. Henry Bachand, Secretary; Mrs. Albert Nau, Treasurer; and Mrs. John Hauschild, Transportation. Mrs. Reuben Kron assisted at Camp Cedars. She served as Camp Site Leader. Each year the Scouts attended camp for one-week. Mrs. Dvorak was the camp Nature Instructor.

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