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About The Plattsmouth journal. (Plattsmouth, Nebraska) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 21, 1932)
Nebr. State Historical Society t rv r VOL. NO. xivn PLATTSMOUTH, NEBRASKA. THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 1932. NO. 103 Sou nut Woman's Club Enjoys Program by Youngsters ProgTam Furnished by Local Young People Talk of Evening by Miss Olive Jones, From Tuesday's Daily The Plattsmouth Woman's Club met last evening at the home of Mrs. F. I. Rea and with the associate hos tesses, Mrs. E. A. Lorenz. Mrs. J. W. Alwin, Mrs. George Conis and Miss Verna Leonard. .The club in their business session Toted to sponsor the picture, "A bra ham Lincoln," to be shown at the Ritz theatre sometime In February The program of the evening was under the leadership of Mrs. It. E. Bailey, featuring a large number of the talented younger children of ths city. Jean and Billy Knorr, clever youthful vocalists were heard in two popular numbers, "Sleepy Town Ex press and "The King's Horses." Elizabeth Ann Wiles presented "A Message to Mother Goose," as her offering of the program. Richard Bailey gave "A Night Magic, in a very clever manner that was much enjoyed. Edna May Peterson favored the members of the party with two of the poems of Edgar Guest. "Monthly Bills" and "Pa at Breakfast," both delightfully presented. Margaret and Alice Rea gave sev eral of the "Mother Goose" songs that were very much enjoyed. John Kenneth Bestor, well known young reader, gave two very pleasing numbers, from the poems of Edward Vance Cook. Ruth Westover contributed two very fine piano numbers. "Spring Song" and "Sweet Kiss Polka," add ing to the excellence of the program. Miss Olive Jones gave a short talk on the books for children, the build ing up of a love for the best in liter ature for the young. The talk was very much enjoyed and -covered the field of children's literature in fine shape. . .4, aSELEBSATES BIRTHDAY Saturday afternoon the home of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Luschinsky was the scene of a very happy gathering of young people, they joining in a birthday party in honor of the elev enth birthday anniversary of Miss Edith Luschinsky. The afternoon was spent in games and contests of all kinds that pro vided a great deal of merriment for all of the jolly young people. At a suitable hour refreshments were served, featured by the birthday caka and its glowing candles. During the afternoon Miss Janet Westover gave several delightful readings. Those who enjoyed the event were: Elva Olson, Charlotte Palmer. Blos som Burrham, Clara May Taylor, Dorothy Wall, Mary Alice Ault, Bet ty Ault. Katherine Barkus. Mary Ol son. Phyllis Redd. Lila May Hike. Beulah Edgerton. Mary Redd, Betty Vallery, Irene Anthes, Vera and Nor ma Johnson, Alieen Handlcy, Lola Jane Elliott, Janet and Ruth West over, Betty Rhodes. Isabel Mc Far land, Shirley Burcham. Ruth Ann Hatt. Rose May Steppat. Maude Stones. Gertrude and Phoebe Taylor. Anna Mary McMaken. Gladys Rhodes, Eddie and Frankie Luschinsky and Edward Stewart. MAKE CHANGES AT STATION The Missouri Pacific railroad elim inating one telegraph operator at their station has made necessary a number of changes in the manage ment of the station itself. The oper ator that has been done away with is that on the second trick from four in the afternoon to midnight. This change means that during these hours the station Is without anyone in charge. The southbound passenger train, due at 6:37 will however, make their regular stop and pas sengers can pay their fares on the train to the conductor instead of hav ing to purchase a ticket as formerly. HEBE FROM ST. JOSEPH From Monday's Daily Mr. and Mrs. Jay Johnson of St. Joseph, Missouri, motored up Sunday from their home to spend the day with their aunt and uncle, Mrs. J. II. Adams and W. F. Gillespie. They had started north via Shenandoah, but found a great deal of snow jack ed between this city and Glenwood, turning back and taking the route on the west side of the Missouri river, a most pleasant route and which was much more free of snow. The party made the trip home in fine shape, a call to Mrs. Adams this morning stated. VERY HAPPY EVENT The home of Mr. and Mrs. Verner Seydlitz, southeast of this city, was made very happy when twin boys made their Appearance and an nounced their intention a! making their home in the future itb the parents. The event has brought a great deal of pleasure and all of the members of the family circle are more than delighted. MARRIED AT CHICAGO The announcement has been re ceived here of the marriage on Satur day afternoon at Chicago, of Cecil O. York, former Plattsriouth young man and Miss Katherine Oskercp. The wedding was attended by a verv large number of the relatives and friends of the contracting parties. The young people will continue to make their home in Chicago where Mr. York is manager of a large laundry syndicate. The groom is a son of Mr. and Mrs. O. C. York. formerly of this city and is a brother of Mrs. Eugene Vroman. The many friends here join in their well wishes to Mr. and Mrs. York for their future happiness and success. Ray Becker, of Union, Named as Deputy Sheriff Commissioners in Conference With Sheriff Thimgan. Selected Deputy and Jailor ( The board of county commissibners met here Saturday with Sheriff Ed ward Thimgan. who was named by the board on last Tuesday, the ob ject of the conference being to ar range the details of the office of which Mr. Thimgan will soon take charge. As was stated in the Journal last week, the board had desired to have the deputy sheriff reside at the coun ty jail and to serve a3 jailor, this be- ng figured to allow a salary of a deputy as well as a fee for the feed- ng of the prisoners. At the conference it wr.s decided to name Ray L. Becker, of Union, as the new deputy sherin to serve under Mr. Thimgan, this choice being agree able to all parties. The salary was fixed at 50 per momh, with the jailor fees of $45 as well as the fee of seventy-five cents per meal for the county prisoners. Both Sheriff Thimgan and family and Deputy Sheriff Becker and fam- Iy will reside in the jail residence, this giving the sheriff rent, light. gas, neat and water free as well as the salary of $1,750 per year. " It was decided by the commission ers and agreed to by the new officers that the mileage, fixed by statute at 5c per mile, be reduced to 10c per mile. The new officers will take over the position of sheriff and deputy on next Monday, Deputy Sheriff Young agreeing to remain at the office un til the detail of bond and moving arrangements can be made by the new officers. He was urged to remain until February 1st but declined to do so owing to other arrangements. AIDS IN CLEANING SNOW A number of the business men of the city, wearied with the fact that huge drifts of snow along the curbs on Main and Sixth streets, prevented their patrons from reaching the curbs for parking, took action Sat urday. The business men went into a hud dle with J. II. and Henry McMaken, who move anything that is movable. resulting the snow was moved away from the curbs and the waterways . opened up for the water melting from the snow. The large tractor and road grading blade, belonging to the Mod ern Construction Co., was brought into play and from midnight until 6 a. rn. Sunday morning the clearing off of the snow proceeded in fine shape. The residents of the city who had retired Saturday before the work of snow removal was started, were much surprised Sunday to see the great piles in the center of the street and the sides of the street open for travel. IMPROVES BUILDING The hall teaming to the office rooms in the Donat building' at Fourth and Main streets, presents a very handsome appearance as the re sult of the work of Vern Hendricks and Henry Donat, as well as K. P. Armstrong, assistant. The steps and floor of the hall has been finished in grey while the walls and ceiling are in the soft tones of yellow. The wood work has also been varnished and presents a most attractive appear ance in every way. MORTGAGE RECORD FOR YEAR The following real estate and chat tie mortgages were filed and released in the past year in the offices of Reg ister of Deeds Miss Lillian White and County Clerk George R. Sayles: Real Estate Farm property filed, 314; value, $1,346,591.39. Released, 209, value, $1,149,545.94. City property filed, 86;. value, $93,426.30. Released, 84, value. $99,413.56. CHATTLE MORTGAGE RECORD The record of the chattel mort gages filed and released in the office of County Clerk George R. Sayles. for the year ending"' December 31st, 1931, shows that there were 1,833 filed and OK 1 117 valuer J. o . J3 o. IUCi releases amounted to 1,051, valued It ions as the patient has been bed at $1, 051,292.68. I fast and in a cast since the accident. Monoxide Gas Fata! to Mrs. Samuel Pittman Fcrmer Cr.ss County Laiy Victim of Gas Fumes at Home at Long Beach, California From Monday's Daily The message was received here last week cf the death of Mrs. Sam uel Pittman. 4C. at Long Beach. Cal ifornia, but the message failed to Rive any of the particulars cf the death or its causes. The Ixing Beach Press Telegram of January 12th. gives the following acccunt of the death of Mrs. Pittman: "Mrs. Terrace Pittman. 1332 East Second street, was found dead in bed. a victim of monoxide gas this morn ing. The gas heater was on and the windows closed. Mrs. Pittman's mo- tLer, Mrs. Rose Wark. who is ill in a downstair apartment, called a neighbor, Mrs. E. C. Miller, asking her to go upstairs and awaken her daughter. Finding the door locked. Mrs. Miller summoned Mrs. Pittman's brother-in-law, A. F. Shaffer. They forced the doer open and found Mrs. Pittman dead." Mrs. Terrace Pittman is the wife cf Samuel Pittman who is a sen of Mrs. D. J. Pittman of Murray. Nebraska, and a niece of Wm. Sporer also of Murray. Nebraska. She was a daugh ter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hennings and was born in Eight Mile Grove precinct. Her husband who has been in very poor health for the past five years has been confined to a sanitar ium. It was Mrs. Pittman's habit to be up and about her household duties at seven in the morning. She was rot up at eight and as stated by the Press-Telegram, her mother request ed a neighbor to call her. But un able to arouse her or open the door, Albert Shaffer, a brother-in-law cf Mrs. Pittman was called, and with difficulty forced an entrance. It was ten o'clock when the inhalator squad arrived and made an effort to resus citate but life had already departed. The night had been unusually cool and with high winds and the storm raging alcng the coast it Is probable that 'she closed her "windows during the night and neglected to open them when she lit the gas heater which is the custom of all gas users. . GIVES FINE ADDRESS The members of the Plattsmouth Rotary club Tuesday enjoyed a very fine address from Rev. C. O. Troy, pastor of the First Methodist church, speaking on the subject of whether Christianity was to weather the storm and strife of the present day. The speaker ably and eloquently told of the many attacks that the chris tian faith has received in the pres ent day, the raising tide of non-religious moves over the world, the need of today for more of the teach ing of Christ was presented by the speaker in his remarks. William M. Barclay, director of the activities of the Associated Char ities, was also present as a guest and gave a review of the work of the or ganization, the methods of handling cases and also of the response that the ccmmunity had made to the call of need. Mr. Barclay praised the fine co-operation that he had received from the people of the community in the work and which had made it such a success. The meeting was under the leader ship of C. H. Jensen. SOCIAL WORKERS MEET The Social Workers of the Metho dist church were pleasantly enter tained Tuesday afternoon at the home of Mrs. J. W. Crabill on North Sev enth street, who was assisted. in the entertaining by her daughter, Mrs. Clement Woster. The ladies had a very extensive business session, taking up many matters pertaining to the work of this important branch of the church organization. . One of the chief matters of the meeting as the election of the officers for the ensuing year, the following being selected: President Mrs. R. H. Anderson. Vice-President Mrs. W. A. Wells. Secretary Mrs. Clement Woster. Treasurer Mrs. Bert Coleman. At the close of the business ses sion dainty refreshments were serv ed by Mrs. Crabill and Mrs. Woster, adding to the pleasantness of the afternoon. MRS. YOUNG VERY ILL From 'Wednesday's Daily Mrs. D. A. Young, one of the long time residents of the county, who has been suffering for the past sev eral weeks from the effects of a fall and fracture of her hip, is quite poorly. Mrs. Young, since being brought home from, the hospital, has been at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Guy White in this city. Last evening Mrs. Young was quite ill and made neces sary constant medical attention and care for the night, and today was still in very serious condition. The attack seems to be from complica WILL LOCATE AT KANSAS CITY From Monday's Daily Harry Schulz, who has been a resi dent here for the past several years, left this afternoon far Kansas City, Missouri, where he will be employed. Mr. Schulz has beent operator at the local Missouri Pacific station, but in the curtailment i vxp: nse the rail road has ordered the station closed fion 4 p. m. to midnight, t Iiminating the second trick position which was held by Mr. Schulz. Uq will "bump" one of the operators at Kansas City. The family will remain here until alter the close of thefechool year, per mitting the children to complete their school work. Pat Reed to Make Race for County Sheriff Sen of Deceased Sheriff Bert Reed, to Seek Republican Nomin ation to Office Late Saturday afternoon S. M. Reed, or as he is better known. "Pat." filed his name as a candidate for the republican nomination for the office cf county sheriff. Mr. Reed is the son of the late sheriff. Bert Reed, and is seeking to fill out the unexpired two years of his father's term. He has been assist ing at different times in the office of the sheriff as a special deputy dur ing the past two years. Prior to com ing to this city Mr. Reed spent sev eral years at Portland and Seattle on the west coast, being engaged in the automobile business there. Shortly after the election of the fa ther as the sheriff of Cass county. Pat came to this city and has since been engaged as salesman for the Buick auto company as well as special work at the office of the sheriff. Mr. Reed as well as Deputy Sheriff Young had been applicants for ap pointment to the vacancy, which wa3 however, filled by the naming cf Edward Thimgan of Murdock, who is now serving as sheriff of Cass coun ty and will also be a candidate at the April primary for the remaining two years of the term of Mr. Reed. Great Northern Natural Gas Line Right of Way Line Will Extend from Mynard West of Plattsmouth to the Platte River Along Highway. v Representatives of the Great Northern natural gas pipeline com pany, which is soon to enter Omaha for the purpose of supplying the packing houses with gas for fuel. Saturday closed the deal with the board of county commissioners for the use of the highway for the pipe line. The natural gas pipeline company has been negotiating with the resi dents of the territory west of this city from Mynard to the Platte river, but the company was unable to reach sat isfactory terms. The negotiations with the commissioners was opened with the view of allowing the right- of-way to run along the highway running north and south, west of Plattsmouth, the terms agreed upon and the natural gas line is now ready to proceed. The construction work has been delayed by the heavy winter condi tions that have prevailed as well as the fact that there has been much argument over the matter with the Omaha city commission and the pub lic utilities, but which have been ironed out and the pipeline voted a franchise to extend the line to the packing house. On Saturday however. a suit was filed by one of the resi dents of the South Side to enjoin the laying of the pipeline within the cor porate limits of Omaha. It is hoped to have the court action cleared up and the actual work of laying the pipeline begun. The Junc tion with the main line from the Texas and Oklahoma natural gas fields, will be made in the vicinity of Mynard. Much interest is found in the pipe line work' here as it is hoped that many may be employed, a number here having previously worked on this line and are experienced men in this work. ENTERTAINS OLD FRIENDS Mrs. John W .Gamble was hostess Tuesday at her home in Omaha to a group of the old friends from Platts mouth. The ladies spent the time in visiting and renewing the many pleasant times when the Gamble family had been residents of this city. Mrs.' Gamble, assisted by her daughter, Mrs. Herman L. Thomas of this city, served a most enjoyed luncheon for the old friends. Those who enjoyed the occasion were Mrs. H. A. Schneider, Mrs. W. E. Rosen- crans and Mrs. William Sehmidt mann, Sr. Th Journal will appreciate your phoning In news items. Call No. 6. Thanks I William Rauth Long Time Resi dent of County Passing cf Highly Esteemed Citizen Brings Eegiet From the Many Friends Over County. From Wednesday's Daily The death of William Rauth which occurred Tuesday morning at 6 o'clock lias brought a great regret over ail sections of the county where the departed was well known and highly respected. The following is a filiort sketch cf the life cf this splen did citizen, now called to rest: William Rauth was born on a farm seven miles southwest of Plattsmouth on August 10, 1864, his parents hav ing been among the early settlers in this part of the west. In the com munity of his birth he spent the greater part of his life, being en gaged in farming up to the last few years. Mr. Rauth was married on February 3. 1891 to Miss Mary Berg man, the young people moving to the vicinity of Manley where they resided until on February 1924, Mrs. Rauth was called from the family circle by death. In late years Mr. Rauth, with his daughter, Miss Ther esa and son. Joseph, have resided in this city. Mr. Rauth was one of a family of ten children, he being the first of the brothers and sisters to be called to the last rest. There is sur viving, the son and daughter, of this city, and the brothers and sisters, John C. Rauth, Manley; Frank and Paul Rauth of Stoneham, Colorado; Mrs. Lena Grauf, Mrs. August Glaubitz, Mrs. Rose Kelly of thi city; Mrs. Frank Stamier of Omaha; Mrs. Charles Lovell, Chappell; Mrs. Walter Beaver of Brighton, Colo rado. There are also surviving four grandchildren. One daughter, Anna, preceded the father and mother in death. The funeral of Mr. Rauth will leave the home in this city on Thurs day afternoon at 1 p. in., going to Weeping Water where the body will lie in state at the Hobson funeral home, permitting friends to take a last farewell from Thursday evening to the service. The funeral services will be held on Friday morning at 10 o'clock at the St. Patrick's Catholic church at Manley. Interment will be at the College Hill cemetery near Manley. WEDDED FORTY YEARS From Wednesday's Daily Today marks the fortieth wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gradoville of this city, who have spent all of the years of wedded life in this community. Miss Catherine Bajeck and Mr. Charles Gradoville were married at the Holy Rosary church in this city on January 20, 1892. Theirs was the first wedding to take place in the church, then recently built and dedicated just a few months before. Mr. and Mrs. Gradoville have been faihful and loyal citizens of Platts mouth. building their home here and where their family of eight children have grown to manhood and woman hood. They have had a large part in helping build up the community and their friends, who are legion. will be more than pleased to join in the congratulations and best wishes to this splendid couple. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Grad oville are Mrs. Timothy Kahoutek, Mrs. John Blatzer, Thomas Grado ville. Miss Dorothy Gradoville of this city; Frank Gradoville, teaching in the Philippine Islands; Mrs. Pauline Todd of Murray; Dr. Charles M Gradoville of the U. S. Veterans hos pital. Knoxville. Iowa, and Mrs. Catherine Westphalen of Omaha. CHANGE WORKING SCHEDULE The BREX shop will start Thurs day, to operate on a seven hour day instead of eight, as they have for the past year. The shops will commence work at 8 a. in. and close at 4 p. m. instead cf 5 o'clock. The operations will be on a five day week also in most of the departments. The rush of cars to the west and southern coasts for fruit shipments has taken most of the cars from this part of the west and lessened the need for repairs as all available cars are now being pressed into service. ARRIVAL OF LITTLE SON The many friends of Clelland Ret- lesdorf. fcrmer Plattsmouth young man, win oe interested in learning that a fine six pound son and heir arrived on Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Retlesdorf. at Benedict, Nebraska. Mr. Retlesdorf is engaged in teaching at Benedict and the fam ily have been making their home there since starting of the school year. Mrs. Retlesdorf was formerly Miss Marjorie Haney of Fort Crook. MRS. EATON IMPROVING Mrs. Alice Eaton is reported as rallying very nicely now from her attack of pneumonia. The crisis of the case seems to be past and Mrs. Eaton has greatly improved in the last few days. It is hoped that she may soon be well on the highway to recovery from the serious illness from which she has suffered. STANDARD BEARERS MEET On Sunday, January 17, 1932 the Standard Bearers held their monthly ; meeting at the home of Mrs. tl. II. 1 Wescott. The meeting was called to order by Helm Schulz, the president. , Frances Garnblin, secretary, read the minutes of the last meeting. The treasurer's report was given by Har riet Simons. We then sang a hymn and each gave a sentence prayer. Old and new business was then dis cussed. The lesson, given by Helen S'huiz, had the title of "He Gives Skill to the Laborer." Dainty re ft eshments were then served by Doris Peterson and Virginia Sanink. VIRGINIA TRIVKLY. Reporter. Knights Temp lar Install Officers Last Evening Kenry F. Nclting Commander Offi- c:rs Installed by J. M. Rcbertson, Past State Commander. From Tut-fday's laily Last evening Mt. Zion commandery of the Knights Templar, held their by contract and agreement lest it installation of officers at the lodge take It8 shopi, aIld headquarters to rooms in the Masfcnic building. The another place. But when these ef officers were installed by James M. ( forts did not succeed or the city re Roberton. past grand commander of'tre;ite(, from Jts demands piatt Nebraska and with L. L. Wiles serv- raouth year by year tried to remain ing as the grand marshal for theiln .,. rtfu. nf ,,, -..iimnd. ceremonies. 1 he onicers installed TYia rxfi r-nr-a inatallpil were: Commander Henry F. Nolting. Generalissimo Raymond C. Cook. Captain General W. F. Kvers. Senior Warden Charles L. Carl son. Junior Warden Harrison L. Gayer Prelate Lester W. Meisinger. Treasurer Phillip Thierolf. Recorder John E. Schutz. Standard Bearer Ward Whelan. Sword Bearer Lynn O. Minor. Warden William H. Wehrbein. Sentinel John E. Parkening. The Mt. Zion commandery has had a very successful year in every way and the commandery has had a pleas ing increase in membership and maintained the high tandard of effi ciency that has won it recognition from the inspectors in tie past years. Judge A. II. Duxbury is the retir ing commander of Mt. Zion comman dery, the service marking a long and devoted career in Masonry. Judge Duxbury has served as master of Plattsmouth lodge No. 6, A. F. & A. M. and high priest of Nebraska chapter No. 3, Royal Arch Masons. attaining the highest positions in the York rite Masonry. Judge Duxbury is just assuming the position of wor thy patron of Home chapter No. 1S9, Order of the Eastern Star. REBEKAH'S INSTALL OFFICERS Friday evening, despite the slip- pery streets, a goodly number of the ttenewaus wcreproeui ai u.ni -ltution is prcne to overlook the pos ular meeting Friday evening. This cnjunco in mhor onH i, being installation night, all elected members were in attendance to take their chair. Mrs. June Kyles, D. D. P. of Greenwood was the installing off!-' cer. assisted by one of the local past noble grands. Mrs. Emma Olson. The officers for the ensuing term are as follows: Mrs. Mary Kruger. N. G.; Miss B.rdie Ellington. V G ; Mar.eE. Kaufmans .. Be eretary: Miss Anna E. Leach, treasurer; Mrs. M. Davis, chaplain; Mrs. A. Ellington, urn nlnti re IToiharfnn 1 1 1 1 1 r a -ru , a previous chapter. Put as the rail- ductor; right supporter to AOble . . . 1 ... Grand. Mrs H. Ofe; left supporter ; road extended its ribbons of steel to Noble Grand, Mrs. L. Cavender; westward after the Civil war and the right supporter to Vice Grand, Mrs. consequent decline, of river trafTic J. Taylor; left supporter to vice fame- Plattsmouth turned its enthu:: grand. Miss Anna Heisel. After the lasm a4n1 enfr,B to pefur'"K a ral1 meeting all adjourned to the Taplett "nnecticn with the east. The steam Sweet Shop for refreshments and a boat became a memory and the Mis- social hour. LIVE WIRE CLUB MEETS , ;? , , u u T,e.,L Ve Y!lre, ,U,b held 1 very delightful gathering last evening at the club rooms a large number of the members being in attendance The evening was spent at "Bingo TT 11'-. 1 1m, .. rii.. and in which Miss Pauline Nowacck was the winner of the first prize while the consolation prize was awarded to Mrs Anna Lilhe. During fac, who carefl wherther or ot wc the evening dainty refreshments haye firfit Loat at ar. were served by the hostesses. Mrs. j P,attsmouth had bcen just as am J.. A. Bennett and Miss Constance bitjoug ,n proinoting river transpor- STILL UNDERGOING TREATMENT Fred W. Nolting, one cf the prcm- inent and highly respected residents of this vicinity, is still at the Clark- son hospital at Omaha. Mr. Nolting is taking treatment and it Is cx- pected that he will have to remain at the hospital for a number cf weeks yet. Mr. Nolting is doing just as well as could be expected under the circumstances. VERY HAPPY OCCASION f By 1S57, what Is now the Burling- The home of Mr. and Mrs. O. F. ten railroad, had Its western ter Smalley was made very happy Tues- minus at Burlington. Iowa, and plans day by the arrival there of a line to build westward to Ottumwa were seven and a half pound son and heir, carried to completion September 1, The event has brought a great deal 1859. The Civil war halted further of pleasure to the members of the building and extension cf the line family circle and "Red" is looking westward was not resumed until after his barber work with an added happiness. , (Continued on Page 2.) Early History of Plattsmouth is Recounted lly IIOIIITItT FOiTKIl V TTK.lt MIX, ITint liiiil liRltmout k II. i. CHAPTER V Plattsmouth ard the Railroads. j Sixty-two years elapi-ed between I that momentous day in the hhfory tof Plattsmouth in July. 1SC9. when jamid enthusiasm and ceremony, the 'ground was broken by Mayor D. H. j Wheeler for the beginning of the Burlington shops in Plattsmouth and (August. 1931. when the order was I i finally issued that closed these shops and wrote 'finis to more than a half century of relationship between the city and the Burlington railroad. During those sixty-two years. Platts- mouth experienced the thrill of high I hopes to become a great railroad cen- ter of the west and to achieve this I .1 1 ft - 1. 1 t 4. end, gave the railroad everything it asked in an effort to hold this insti tution which would provide employ ment and a navroll and thus attract mdilcntu tn Pi .nnmnili Tk 'made an eflort to bind the railroad 1 . . ' . .. . . hoping to postpone the evil day when the last remnant of the shops would be taken away. The record shows that there was always considerable margin between what Plattsmouth expected to ftet from the railroads and what the rail roads planned to do for Plattsmouth. The former was born of a growing civic eiithusir.Mn and emotional fer vor while the latter was governed by the cold, impartial dictates of eco nomic necessity and business acumen brought about by the changes In transportation development as the lines moved westward. Between these two states of mind, there was always a chasm and sometimes conflict. But., if Plattsmouiu did lose the Burlington shops in the long run. for over sixty years, the payroll and taxes from the shops 'poured thou sands of dollars annually into the community and aided materially in the growth and prosperity of the town. In comparison to this, the $25,000 in bonds and city lots in ad dition, invested by the city brought a rich return. But the psychological factor: the constant fear of removal cannot be overlooked. As the Burl ington extended its system west, it was inevitable that changes would occur. Realizing this, the merchants of Plattsmouth could never rid them selves of the thought that the shops might be moved and repqrts to this I r-ff or"t u'Prp frpnnenf nvpr a Inn? rtor. iru1 nf inv tnwn wMrh hniM tscIf , dependence on one insti- Btnt fa of iflHa f tt,ia m,n . dustrv is ,ikely to have an unfavoi. KI ,,.. i,iQ.,ioQ , a desIrable" location.' For the-e rnsna nn nt hit,.rr nf Piattummith ir- toon n h writ. fan rolUntT MnMn.i .":.'"7 ::ZT , , , d d f Plattsmouth made every ef- fort to promote its steamboat trade on the Missouri river as recounted in , huuri river inutie ti a.v uiiuimuiiii-u 'to the "Father of Waters" as the day of the "iron horse" was ushered In. This sentiment was plainly expressed in The Plattsmouth Herald March 17, ,1870. when it noted that "Steam- boats are not rushing up this spring, The demand for them is Kone. The jnrst ,oat of thp fieason naa lieretofore . fceen heraldcd wlth j oy but the fiprinff I 1K7ft .nKaoa ,,in-rnt Bfnt r.t t i,,,-.. firgt boat and no one seems to know wll- flrat .. ? r.Tilrni1a hut whnn thU npw nnrf f.na- ter method of travel linked the west 'and east. Plattsmouth readily shifted its allegiance to the railroad build- ers. It was in this spirit that The Plattsmouth Herald said editorially September 8, 1870, "When a steam- boat anchored at our wharf, the landing would be thronged with citi- zens. Why don't they do so now? Nothing less than a boat-load of Chinamen or General Grant or some other wonder of the world could call a crowd to the landing now. We are looking up. Ours is a railroad town!"