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About The frontier. (O'Neill City, Holt County, Neb.) 1880-1965 | View Entire Issue (Aug. 13, 1936)
The Frontier D. H. Cronin, Editor and Proprietor Entered at the Postofllce at (W ill, Nebraska, as Second Class Matter, One Year, in Nebraska $2.00 One Year, outside Nebraska 2.25 Every subscription is regarded, as an open account. The names of subscribers will be instantly re moved from our mailing list at ex piration of time paid for, if pub lisher shall be notified; otherwise the subscription remains in force at the designated subscription price. Every subscriber must understand that these conditions are made a part of the contract between pub lisher and subscriber. ADVERTISING RATES Display advertising is charged for on a basis of 25c an inch (one column wide) per week. Want ads 10c per line, first insertion, sub sequent insertions, 5c per line. Lt. Com. Meals Writes of Boyhood Days (Continued from page 1.) kids. There were big hollow de pressions in the prairie made, so my father told me, by bison wallow ing about, and there were hund reds of gophers and quite a few jack rabbits. We kids used to catch these gophers for pets.I sup pose you remember the proceedurc. You first located your gopher hole and the various connecting out lets. These outlets you stuffed up with paper or earth and tVen you set the younger kids to carrying water which you poured down the gopher hole. When the highly agitated gopher came out you grabbed him, if you were a brave lad with a reputation to sustain and there were girls present to be impressed with your bravery, with your bare hands and chucked him into a small box where he formed the nucleus of the menargie of one of our innumerable circuses. Of course, if yau were an out and out j sissie you clapped a bucket or box j over the gopher as he came out in-1 stead of grabbing him with your | oare nanas out inis rnetnod was, frowned upon in best gopher catch- j ing circles and regular “he-men” (aged 5 to 12) scorned such elfein- | inacy. Well, Eddie, that prairie j is built up now with houses sur- j rounded by trees that look ns if j they had stood there a lifetime. It , was hard for me to believe that it j was here the O’Neill volunteers! ! camped before leaving for Cuba in the Spanish-American war or that I had often seen in the early 90’s covered wagons of settlers bound westward camped there for the night. And the wild flowers that grew there, and the soft cool feel of the grass the first barefoot day of spring. Those days will never come again except in mem ories. “Sometimes, however, the prairie was tragic, especially when a Ne braska blizzard changed the whole world into a mass of swirling whiteness and cold. I remember along back in the 90’s an old farm er who was caught in a blizzard on his way home north of O’Neill. He was the first dead man 1 had ever seen. He had got caught on foot and when the snow had blot ted out all landmarks he had ap parently reached the wire fence by the side of the road and hud felt his way along trying to reach the gate or get back his sense of direct ion. They found him, when the blizzard cleared away, in a fence corner, in a sitting position, frozen solid. Bernie McCatferty's father was an undertaker and was given the body to prepare for burial. They had him (the corpse) in a tub of wuter for several hours thawing him out and had taken him out of the water and placed him on a table so us to straighten out his limbs. It was at this point that Bernie assembled a bunch of us kids and took us in to see the dead man, our first. The dead man’s knees had thawed out but not so his hips and so when Bernie pressed down on the bended knees the rigid hips caused the dead man to sit up on the table with the most uncanny suddenness. 1 brokt al( world's records, past, present or future, in getting out of there and for weeks afterwards I caused my mother no small amount of astonishment by getting my chores done well in advance of darkness. * ' cl* I was very sorry, too, that 1 didn’t get to see “Sliver” Triggs, although I suppose he has long ago forgotten me and wouldn’t know me from Adam's off ox even if I told him who I was. “Sliver” converted (me to the republican party although my folks were staunch democrats. It came about in this way. William Jennings Bryan came to O’Neill in the late 90’s. Whether he was then the accepted nominee for President or not I do not now recall. But at any rate he came to town and stop ped with M. F. Harrington and made a speech from an outdooi stand erected on an open lot across from the old pumping station. An enormous crowd gathered, they had cut the band (what was the name of the blacksmith who piayed tuba? Emil something or other) and a barbecue after the talking was over, I remember it very distinctly. Gerald and I were there together. We were in somewhat of a quandry as to whether to remain close to the stand where we could hear Bryan and the band or get ofF on the outskirts of the crowd and close to the barbecue pits where need for tasting might arise and the chances of free eats were better. The band we could hear almost any practice night. Gerald had heard Bryan as his father’s guest and didn’t think he was so-hot. So we decided to “take the cash and let the credit go” or, in other words, stick close to the barbecue pits and the free eats. From time to time there would come across the crowd to us the sonorous voice of William Jennings Bryan, full of references to “free silver” and “16 to 1”. The constant repetition of the “free silver” finally imping ed upon two brains previously filled with thoughts of barbecue. "What is the free silver he is talk ing about?” we said to "Sliver” Tripps. Now “Sliver” was a man we respected because he was the fellow who painted the cross on the old Catholic church and scaled the old standpipe and climbed to other lofty heights and, in our opinion there was no place in the world too hig<h for “Sliver” to climb and paint, too, for that matter. So we trusted him. “Why, said he, hnven’t you kids heard? Right after the speaking Bryan is going to give away free silver, sixteen to one. So when you see the line form you had better be well up in front, for at the rate of sixteen to one I don’s think it will last long.” Soon the speaking ended and the farmers and townspeople formed to shake the Great Commonor’s hand, with Gerald and 1 well up in front. Soon we reached the plat form where we were given a list less, floorwalker sort of handclasp by the great man. But no free silver. I assure you, absolutely no free silver. Same result with Gerald. So, back to Sliver Triggs, who professed inability to under stand the situation. “Something is wrong, said he; get back in lline again;” So once more we inched our way in line past Bryan, re ceived another handclasp empty of “free silver” and on our way, our faith somewhat dampened. On the fourth time around Charley Davis, the then town marshal, spot ted us, and inquired as to our en thusiasm in wanting to shake hands with Bryan and why one hearty handclasp did not suffice, and why we came hack for more and addit ional handclasps. We explained about the “free silver.” “Oh, said he, I have yours here, and he gave us each a dime.” He has been dead a good many years but to me Charley Davis will always live. As to Bryan—well, right then and there 1 incurred a hearty dislike for the democratic party and I have always associated “free sil ver” with an empty handclasp and a loss of faith. 1 doubt if “Sliver” would remember this, it was all so long ago and we were so young, just kids to him. Still, it is one of my memories. Well, Eddie, 1 will bring this letter to n close. It is, I suppose, somewhat of an imposition to in fringe on your time with a long winded letter like this about things long past. I enjoyed meeting you fellows again and I am looking for ward to that time when I can re turn to O'Neill and with you go back over the old times together. Gerald Harrington and 1 regularly hold a two-man reunion every week or so when 1 am in Oakland. Billy McNichols is also in Califor nia but I have not been able to do more than talk to him over the phone. Somewhere among my pictures 1 have a snapshot of you in black-face makeup for some Academy entertainment or other. 1 remember you used to be quite a coon shouter, one of your songs being "Just because she made those goo-goo eyes” which you used to render (render is right) on special occasions. It is strange how one remembers things like that. My daughter, having viewed our group picture, has made the suggestion that we old school mates ought to keep in touch w-ith each other and I think it is a woth while sugges tion. A postal card, or a letter, now and then would do the trick. I have often thought about it in the years gone by but in the busi ness of making a living and bring ing up a family one lets ride many things one would like to do. I would like to hear from you, Eddie, and also the others. Should any of you come out our way my fam ily and I would be deeply disap pointed if you failed to look us up." Sincerely your old schoolmate, With kindest regards I am, Frank M. Meals. I Over the County EMMET ITEMS Mr. and Mrs. John Horn and sons, of Oregon, arrived here last week to spend a few weeks with friends and relatives. M ss Margaret Butler, who has been visiting at the John Conard home the past week, returned to her home in Inman Sund^/. Rev. and Mrs. A. J. May, of O’Neill were dinner guests of Rev. and Mrs. D. S. Jay Monday. Mrs. John Lowrey and Grandma i Cole entertained at a tea for the I benefit of the M. E. church. Wallis Tweedale, who has been in the Lincoln hospital for some time, returned Saturday and is much improved. Mrs. J. P. Mullen, who has been quite ill for some time, has im | proved some. PLEASAiNT dale Sister M. Alba returned to her home in Chicago Monday. She had been visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Bran, of Stuart. Sister M. Alba is a sister of Mrs. Henry Schaaf, of Atkinson. Mr. and Mrs. Horace Crawford and family, of Spencer, were visit ing friends in O'Neill Saturday. The Crawford family lived in this vicinity last year. Miss Alndene Kee spent last week visiting her sister, Mrs. Ralph Leidy in O’Neill. Fred Beckwith enjoyed a visit from his son, Dean and two grand children, Fred and Eva Garvin, all of Scottsbluff. A group of relatives congregated at the Joe Winkler home Sunday in honor of Sister M. Alba, of Chicago. The guests enjoyed a delicious picnic dinner and an af ternoon of visiting. Those pres ent were: Johanna Durmes, of Atkinson; Mr. and Mrs. George Pongratz and family; Mr. and Mrs. Joe Babl and family; Mr. and Mrs. Pan Troshynskl and daughter, Mar jorie; Mrs. Henry Schaaf and family and, Lawrence Brau. Mr. and Mrs. Leon Beckwith and daughter accompanied Sewell John son to Norfolk Friday. They re turned home that evening. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Weber and daughter, Shirley, of Long Pine, , called at Joe Winkler’s Thursday. Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Wayman are the parents of a baby boy, born August 3. Mr. and, Mrs. John Conard were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Leon Beck with Sunday afternoon. INMAN NEWS Patty and Billy Watson left for Lincoln Saturday for a weeks’ visit with relatives. Mart Hawkins went to Sioux City Monday on business, return ing Tuesday. Mr. and Mrs. L. R. Tompkins are spending a few days in Nor folk visiting relatives. Miss Darlene Thompson, who is employed in the O'Neill hospital, was home Sunday. Mrs. I. L. Watson, Mrs. G. E. Moor and daughter, Miss Lois, vis ited at Wausa at the home of Rev. Mertie E. Clute and at Pierce at the home of Rev. and Mrs. R. Poe, the latter part of the week. Superintendent and Mrs. jGeo. Cornish, who have been in Lincoln the past two months, returned home this week. Mrs. Mary Lawshe and son, Bobby, of Fremont, and daughter, Mrs. Leslie Summers, of Middle branch were here Friday visiting among relatives and friends. Mrs. J. J. Hancock and sons, Jack and Billy, Miss Kathryn Schmidt, Miss Blanche Duhotchek and Miss Ileue Duhotchek were here from Newman Grove Sunday evening visiting at the Mary M. Hancock home. They were en rotite to Casper, Wyoming. Miss Merle Leidy is nt Wakefield operating a beauty parlor during the absence of the regular oper ator. Mrs. Mary Hancock and daugh ter, Miss Gladys and Wayne Han cock spent Sunday at the W. E. Jones home near Chambers. Mr. and Mrs. Martin Anderson and daughter, Joyce, of Torring ton, Wyoming, Mrs. John Nelson and children and George Hurless, af Ainsworth, were here Friday visiting at the home of their aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Out house. The members of the L. D. S. church reld a fellowship dinner at O’Donnell’s lake Sunday following the regular services at the church. A baptismal service was held in (the afternoon. Miss Ruth Jeanette Watson vis ited friends in Norfolk last week Mrs. A. N. Butler visited rela tives in Norfolk and Neligh last week. MEEK AND VICINITY Mr. and Mrs Linn and son and Miss Linn, brother, sister and sister-in-law of Charles Linn, of Flint, Mich., spent several days the past week at the Charles Linn home. They say the farmers there are in much the same condition as they are here and in all the states they came through on their way here. But the factories are run ning on full time. Mrs. George Weldon and son, Junior, of Alliance, were overnight guests at the Frank Griffith home on Thursday. Threshing is over in this com munity and every one is busy put ting up what hay there is. The Ladies Aid enjoyed a picnic at the Roy Karr home Thursday afternoon. Ice cream and cake were served under the trees. Quite a few attended. Frank Nelson received a messaga that his father had parsed away at his home in Omaha last Friday. Mr. Nelson and daughter, Mar garetha left on the train that night to attend the funeral. Mrs. Ed Hubby and son, Dwight, and Miss Dickey, of Butte, called at the Eric Borg home on Wed nesday. Some from here attended the funeral of Mrs. Richter on Satur day. Mrs. Richter was a friendly and jolly woman and wiill be great ly missed by her friends and loved ones. Mrs. Jennie Benton and son, Dick, and Mrs. Maude Finney and daughter, Lucile, came up from Fremont Saturday for a visit at the homes of Mrs. E. H. Rouse and the Orville Harrison home. Mrs. Rouse and Mrs. Harrison are are sisters of Mrs. Benton. Those who helped Opal Jean Giffith celebrate her twelfth birth day on Monday afternoon were: Lavene and Helen Borg, Betty Jayne Puckett, Mrs. C. E. Griffith, Mrs. Fay Puckett and Roxie were also at the Frank Griffith home. Ice cream and cake were served by Mrs. F. II. Griffith. Threshing is over in this local ity. The last job was at the Will Kaczor place on Monday and from there the Ross’ moved their ma chine home. Those who motored to Atkinson | on Sunday and enjoyed a picnic dinner at the Mariedy llubby home were, the Eric Borg family; A. L. Borg family! Virgil llubby and Howard Rouse families and Mrs. Charles Griffith and daughter They attended services at the Mission in the afternoon. Little Bonnie Hub by came back with them for a visit with her Grandma Borg. Mrs. Roy Spindler, who has been visiting at Omaha and at Glemvood, Iowa, returned home Sunday even ing. Mrs. S. I). Jones, of San Antonio, Texas, and Darrell Griffith, of North Platte, arrived at the Griffith home on Tuesday evening for a visit. Mrs. Jones was formerly Miss Jennie Griffith and Darrel is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Griffith. SOUTHWEST BREEZES By Romaine Saunders D. L. Withers and Lloyd James took a load of cattle to Omaha Sunday. Mike McCarthy and daughter, Margaret, are visiting members of the family at Moscow, Idaho. The southwest will not have its customary loads of potatoes and tons of cabbage for the household menu this season, but there is the making of a lot of beefsteaks now browsing the ranges. Representative Zioncheck was not the only mentally queer one in the last congress but the spectacu lar and tragic method he adopted of ending his career will doubtless be an isolated case of vacating a seat in congress. Mr. and Mrs. M. S. Young and Mr. and Mrs. El wood Walker, all of Dresden, Kansas, have been guests of the E. E. Young family. Mr. and Mrs. Walker w’ere on their way to Wisconsin. Crops in the vicinity of Dresden were destroyed by grasshoppers. An expert with figures has it that the federal, state, local, busi ness and private indebtedness of the country amounts to a mort gage of $280 per acre for the en tire nation. Everyone in the south west will sell at that figure. Nebraska’s junior senator is not the exponent and supporter of New Deal policies he was previous to the last election. His candidacy STANDARD Red Crown gives 150 miles a gallon and not a fraction more!” continued Mrs. Popyew,affec tionately called "Pixie” by her host of friends in Tall Story circles. She added: "To stop this loose talk I put my foot down. Unfortunately, it was on the accelerator and the car leaped clear into the next precinct. Red Crown is responsive.” We have more than a faint suspicion that "Pixie" is indulging in slightly "loose talk" herself. Standard Red Crown does give as long mileage as | any gasoline—possibly more — but definitely not 150 miles per gallon/ As a matter of fact, hundreds of thousands of motorists are now learn ■ ing, first hand, the bedrock truth about ; gasoline mileage in the World's Great i est Road Test, and even though you may not be driving one of the Re search Test Cars, it will pay you to . . GET COMPLETE COST—RECORD BOOK FREE— AT I TARN THF T PUT 14 STANDARD DEALERS Standard Dealer! are offering a handy ^ record book—FREE—with ample ipace for keeping track of all car cost! • r> I I X . . . gasoline, motor oil, repairs, taxes. A l5 U U I With this book you can leam the truth about gasoline mileage In your car. From the complete information thus gained, you may find ways and means to my m my my m ■ * a nail p ■ /> n cut your car costs substantially, with real economy and efficiency of operation. IB If V II I I BJ L |en S | L ft I* E Get your copy today from a Standard Dealer—free—no obligation, no ^ IrP I L. Cl H LZ C BE SURE YOUR CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE —THEN DRIVE SAFELYI at that time may have had some bearing on campaign utterances. E. J. Mack and James Rooney were out this way from Atkinson Sunday. Mr. Mack is just getting around since an injury to his back six weeks ago in a fall from a lad der. They were looking after real estate interests in this section. The spectacle of the president and his republican opponent meet ing together to consider what can be done for the people in the drouth affected states will be a hdfteful sign. Southwest Holt is not on the map of the itinerary, they to get no nearer us than at Chadron in Dawes county. Extending an invitation to the governors of the various states affected Mr. Roose velt could do nothing less than in elude Mr. Landon and their com ing together in a worthy under taking may go a long way to soften the anamosities of a presidental campaign. In a frank, straight-from-the shoulder 9-page statempmt in a great American magazine on “What Relief Did to Us,’’ a woman writer in her opening paragraph makes this lamentable admission: “The members of my family are on relief, put there, not by the de pression, but by the Roosevelt Re covery. They are a typical Amer ican family. There story is the story of thousands of other Amer ican families. The depression brought them face to face for the first time with insecurity and fear. In the end, weary, frustrated and bewildered they surrendered their decency and self-i-espect foi the false security offered, by a bureau cratic government. Today, they are ruined—in mind and soul if not in body.” Thomas Graham, of northeast Holt, was in the city yesterday. FREE! Beautiful goose-down Com forter. $12.50 value, with the purchase, .of -ai Coronado Model D, Model G5 or DeLuxe Power Washer. Sale prices also in effect on other wash ers. Model R, Electric $31.95 —RX Power Washer, sale price $54.95. THE UNITED STATES has Five Million I More Telephones than all of EUROPE... I \ UNITED STATES 125.000.000 People 17,500,000 Telephone The United States has less than one-fourth the population of Europe, but it has nearly one and one-half times as many telephones. With only about one-sixteenth of the world's population, the United States has more tele EUROPE 550.000.000 People 12,500.000 Telephone* phones and makes more telephone calls than St all the rest of the world combined. ..yt Such great and widespread use of telephone service in the United States is evidence of its great value and its low cost to telephone users. ; INORTHWE5TERN BELL TELEPHONE fcOMTANT - - J