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About The frontier. (O'Neill City, Holt County, Neb.) 1880-1965 | View Entire Issue (March 24, 1955)
Say It Can t Be Done . . , Page Women Prove It Can! By MRS. N. D. ICKES, SR. The Frontier Feature Writer PAGE—There was a time when Page was a prosperous small town with much promise. Folks here abouts were content in being rath er self-sufficient, living in the 1X1 a thriving community within easy driving distance of the countyseat (O’Neill), where peo ple went to pay taxes, get legal advice, occasionally to serve on the jury. During Page’s heyday, the town boasted two banks five stores, two livery barns, two elevators, two lumber yards, a newspaper, three barber shops, three restau rants, one cafe, one hotel, sale barn, a variety store and dress shop combined, a doctor, dentist, beauty operator, drug store, silent movie and a daily passenger and bus service. A transcontinental highway went through the town. Sidewalks increased, houses sprang up on town lots, windmills disappeared, a livery barn became the sale bam and the other livery stable became a garage. The Meth odists built a new parsonage. Competition was keen and there was an air of prosperity about the town. The surrounding com munity reflected both hard work and thrift. Then came . the dust bowl drouth-depression days of the thirties. The town lost, in succes sion, the doctor, drug store, dent ist, bank, elevator, lumberyard, hotel, restaurant, butcher shop, dress shop and beauty shop. One after another, they preced ed or followed the sale barn out of town. Business came to almost a standstill. Those who could went into defense work. Some left for a time; others left for good. Weeds grew, rubbish collected and junk piles increased in size. When prosperity flew out the window, pride ran a close second. Buildings lacked paint, fences went unmended and houses, which went begging for tenants, soon became unfit for occupancy. Neglect was the order of the day. There were many for whom the place was home. Some of these could neither sell out nor move out. Those for whom the die was cast, those who had no choice ex cept to ride out the depression, stayed on. On May 31, 1946, the first meet ing of the Page Improvement club was held. Mrs. O. B. Stuart acted as chairman. The membership was a cross-section of the population, nearly all church, lodge and so cial groups represented. The depression already had left its mark. Reversals among people occasionally left ill-feeling; the bad times encouraged laziness and bred contempt; children were de nied happy childhood and educa tions. Those were days when people who had shared with those who had not. Sometimes a cow would be loaned to a family; there was bartering and trading. Records at some of the pub lic weighing scales bear silent testimony of feed and seed bor rowed and paid back with a disregard for price or length of time between buying and pay ment. It was an unhappy era when a man was lucky to feed his family and livestock. Out of this weary mental and physical lethargy came a healthier frame of mind with the birth of the Page Improvement club. While the club conceded there was no money with which to work, members decided to give the place the works—the soap and water treatment. And “Operation Im provement” was on! Dues of a dollar were collected. Boundary limits were defined. Boys were hired for 35 cents an hour; vacant lots, unsightly trash and junk piles that had accumu lated everywhere were hauled away or burned. Residents were invited to join the cleanup and people were en couraged to do what they could to improve the looks of the town. In the earlier days of the club’s operation, the intent was taken lightly — just another place for women to go! But soon critics were forced to admit the Improve ment clubbers meant business. Husbands, especially, developed a cooperative frame of mind and backed up their new attitude with actual labor and money. Presently the town reflected polish in physical appearance and many of the citizens acquired a more cheerful outlook. The club sponsored the first achievement day that later came to be known as Page’s free day. Prizes were offered for the best in many lines of gardening, flower growing and homemaking and the affair is now a traditional labor day event. The park and the theater were the club’s responsibility from the beginning. Recently the Commer cial club became interested and took over the management of the theater After several years of effort, a light was set in the park for the convenience of after dark visitors. Fireplaces were built and tables placed for the picnickers’ conven ience. The old water fountain was repaired and placed there; a new one was installed at the bank cor ner. ine theater has proved to be an expensive and worrisome un dertaking, requiring all the mon ey that could be coaxed out of a community and constant and vigi lant supervision. In time the the ater became a paying proposition; even became a money maker with a sizeable bank balance to prove it. The repair and redecoration of the theater was a yearly house cleaning project — one of the things that could have failed and passed out of being had not the Improvement group doggedly stuck to the task of keeping a movie in town for the kids. While members regret the loss of the many things, they are proud to have snatched from the burning brands the endur ing qualities that establish and maintain happy and comfortable homes. Down the years, since 1946, the Improvement club has demon strated what an overworked im agination plus ingenuity and a meager amount of hard-earned money can do for a community. A casual inquiry would never dsiclose all the things the club deserves credit for nor the crit icism members have let them selves in for. Currently, the Page Improve ment clubbers have their sight set on another “impossible” project. This time they hope to develop a roller skating rink from which children will derive a great deal ot pleasure and from which old sters might salvage some skating or dancing enjoyment. Say it can’t be done and these eager Improvement clubbers will prove they can do it! Mrs. Hunt Hostess— Mrs. Earl Hunt entertained at a dessert bridge at her home Tues day, March 15. Mrs. Virgil Laur sen was a guest. Mrs. Laursen had the high score and Mrs. Win nie Bargar had the low bridge score. i,i . • -iit Marks 81st Anniversary— Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Gatz enter tained Wednesday at dinner at their home honoring her mother, Mrs. Mary MacLeod, on the oc casion of her 81st birthday an niversary. Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Barnhart and Joe of Wagner, S.D., visited Monday night, March 14, with Mr. and Mrs. R. D. Yusten of O’Neill. Mr. and Mrs. Russell Yusten visited Clayton and Eleta Mesner Sunday evening, March 13. 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O’NEILL PHONE 11 EVERYONE INVITED TO OUR SPECIAL BUSINESS SHOW COMING TO O’NEILL THURSDAY, MARCH 31st A SPECIAL DISPLAY OF PORTABLE TYPEWRITERS ROYAL - REMINGTON - UNDERWOOD and the entire SMITH-CORONA LINE, Silent-Super, Sterling, Clipper and SkyRiter j A PROMINENT DISPLAY OF: • OFFICE TYPEWRITERS • ADDING MACHINES • BOOKKEEPING MACHINES • CALCULATORS At Golden Hotel All Day Thursday BRING YOUR FRIENDS !! WESTERN TYPEWRITER & OFFICE SUPPLY 435 Norfolk Avenue — Norfolk, Nebraska Serves in Honor Guard Pfc. Richard D. Hytrek, 20, son of John P. Hytrek of Stuart, is a member of the honor guard of the Fourth infantry division in Germany. He was selected for the special unit, which serves as di vision headquarter’s security pla toon, on the basis of his outstand ing appearance and soldierly qual ities. Hytrek is a 1952 graduate of Stuart high school. Pioneer Noted for Tree-Planting Dies Gustave L. Hoppe, 88, Rancher 40 Years Gustave L. Hoppe, 88, who re sided on a ranch south of O’Neill for 40 years, died at his home in Gordon on Wednesday, March 2. He had suffered a series of paralytic strokes during the past 10 years, including severe at tacks on February 4 and Febru ary 12 this year. The late Mr. Hoppe was born July 4, 1860, at Warsaw, 111., a son of Charles C. and Sophia Hoppe. He came west from II linois when he was 17-years-old with his brother, Hugo. He was united in marriage with Hanna Schneider at Chambers on December 1, 1898. To this union two children were born—Emma and Forrest. Gustave and Hugo homesteaded in Wheeler county, 28 miles south of O’Neill, where as partners they operated a large ranch and raised purebred cattle for two genera tions. For years there was just one large, lone tree for miles around. So Gustave planted five large plots of pine trees on his place. For years it was regarded as the largest private tree plants-, tion in the state, Mr. Hoppe moved to the Gor don region In 1923., He purchas ed land near Gordon and on the Pine Ridge reservation in its early development. He moved into Gordon in 1943. Survivors include: Widow daughter—Mrs. Ralph L. (Emma) Swick of Gordon; son—Maj. For rest H. Hoppe of the U.S. air force; brother— Albert Hoppe of Hamilton, 111.; grandchildren — Loren Swick, Larry Swick and Deborah Hoppe. Among those who came from a distance to attend the funeral of Mr. Hoppe were: Maj. Forrest H. Hoppe of Mobile, Ala.; Loren Swick of Evanston, 111.; Larry Swick of Vermillion, S.D.; Mrs. J. E. Greppin and Mrs. Octavia Brown, both of Washington, D.C.; Mrs. Albert Clouse of Custer S. D.; Mrs. Robert Carter, Mrs. Ger ret Dyke and Charles Hoppe all of Platte, S. D., and Lewis Hoppe of Omaha. - _ Under Three Flags’ Reviewed at Mission Meeting in Ewing EWING—Mrs. Leo Miller re viewed several chapters of the book, “Under Three Flags,” at the meeting of the Missionary Society of the United Presbyterian church Thursday afternoon. The group met at the home of Mrs Webb Napier. Topics included meditations on Abraham, led by Mrs. Napier; “Three Generations or Four”, by Mrs. Ralph Schrader; “The Christians’ Gift”, by Mrs. Carl Christon; “After a Century_ Churches in Pakistan,” by Mrs. Luella Bennett. • At the business session it was voted to take a freewill offering at the next two meetings. The of fering will be sent to the Church of the Valley at Twin Bridges, Mont., a town of about 500 with out a church. The world day of prayer col lection will be sent to the Nation al Association of Evangelicals. After some discussion, it was also voted for members to send letters of protest to Vice-Presi dent Nixon on his appointment of Robert L. King as his administra tive assistant. Mrs. Carl Christon was ap pointed as delegate to attend the Presbyterial meeting which will be held April 12 and 13 at Mur ray. The prayer cycle was led by Mrs. Ralph Shrader and prayers were said for the missions and missionaries of Pakistan and Pun ji. Mrs. Leo Miller was appointed as news reporter. The hostess served refreshments. Morgan Ward Accounting & Auditing Income Tax Service Hotel Golden Annex O’Neill, Nebr. — Phone 414 Don’t let the new Social Se curity regulations interfere with your haying or farming operations. Let me keep your records and file your returns. Lynch News Mr. and Mrs. John Hurd spent Sunday, March 13, at the Faye Pinkerman home. Mr. and Mrs. George Svatos, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Svatos and Connie Rae and Mr. and Mrs. Dale Svatos and Dan of Lake An des, S.D., were Sunday, March 13, visitors at he Albert Kalkowski home. Anton Drobny of Verdigre and Mrs. Lydia Reagon of Montey Park, Calif., are visitnig with Alfred Stanek. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Hewit son of Gary, Ind., spent a week recently visiting at the Francis Shrunk home. Mrs. Edmund Rohde returned home from a two-weeks’ visit with relatives in Lincoln. Siding—Asbestos and insulated. Completely applied by skilled me chanics. Convenient terms. Free estimates. Prompt sea-vice. Phone Jim Sessions. 409-J or 548-LR, or write box 568, O’Neil. 45tf Mr. and Mrs. Herman Heiser returned home from a visit in Texas with their son, Pvt. Gary Heiser. Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Haselhorst entertained relatives from Os mond and Plainview on Sunday March 13. Mr. and Mrs. Orville Holtz and family returned here from Min nesota Saturday, March 19, and plan to live on Sunshine Bottom. Mr. and Mrs. Vance Anderson and daughters of Butte called at the Shrunk home Saturday. On Tuesday, March 22, the Lynch junior class attended Boyd county government day at the courthouse at Butte. Sunday, March 13, vistiors at the James Maly, sr., home were Robert Maly of Chicago, 111., who is home on furlough, and his la dy friend from Norfolk; Mr. and Mrs. Johnnie Hanslik and children of Pilger and Mr. and Mrs. Eldon Sedivy and family of O’Neill. Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Christensen moved into their new home in Lynch and their son, Richard, and family moved onto their farm near Monowi. Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Spencer and baby have moved to Texas. Eldora Serk of O’Neill spent the March 12-13 weekend at the parental Jake Serk home. Monuments of lasting beauty made by skilled craftsmen of tbe J. F. Bloom Co. . . monu ments from the factory to the consumer. — Emmet Crabb, O' Neill, pbone 139-J. 37tf The Frank Weeder family vis ited at he Emanuel Soukup home north of Spencer Sunday, March 13. x Mrs. Jack Samuelson and chil dren of Hartington visited at the William Havranek home several days recently. Mr. and Mrs. Junior Wilson and Chad visited at the Ray Wilson home in Holt county. Mr. and Mrs. Elmo Barnes call ed at the Herman Schochenmaier home in Bonesteel, S.D., on Fri day. Mr. and Mrs. James Maly, sr., and son, Robert, visited relatives in Fairfax, S.D., Sunday. Maxine Jehorek of Omaha spent the March 12-13 weekend here at the parental Martin Jehorek home. Mrs. Mary Zach visited with Mrs. G. L. Mulhair on Saturday, March 12. 2 Anniversaries— P- C. Donohoe will entertain at a dinner tonight (Thursday) honoring his sister, Mrs. Mary MacLeod, whose birthday an niversary was Wednesday. Mr. Donohoe’s 73d birthday anniver sary is today. Real Estate Transfers QCD — Fred Smith to Lorraine Smith 4-25-52 $1- Lot 9 Blk 1 Bakers 2nd Add- Chambers QCD—Ward Smith to Lorraine Smith 4-25-52 $1- Lot 9 Blk 1 Bakers 2nd Add QCD— Edw Smith to Lorraine Smith 4-25-52 $1- Lot 9 Blk 1 Bakers 2nd Add QCD—Cora Marquis to Lorraine Smith 4-25-52 $1- Lot 9 Blk 1 Bakers 2nd Add QCD—Wilson Smith to Lorraine Smith 4-25-52 $1- Lot 9 Blk 1 Bakers 2nd Add QCD—Vernon Smith to Lorraine Smith 4-25-52 $1- Lot 9 Blk 1 Bakers 2nd Add QCD—Nellie Smith to Lorraine Smith 4-25-52 $1- Lot 9 Blk 1 Bakers 2nd Add WD—Rudie Juracek to Clarence L Sisson 3-1-55 $15,800- S%SEy4 32 Ey>swy4- Ny>SEy4 32 swv4 swy4 32-27-9 N%NWy4 5- NEy4 NEy4 5- Ny>NWV4 4- NEy4NEy4 4-26-9 WD—Edward Menish to Joseph Menish & Mary Elizabeth Hansen 8-18-51 $1- Lot 16 Blk 20 except North 65 ft- O’Neill WD—Edward Menish to Joseph Edward Mensih & wf 8-18-51 $1 No 65 ft lot 16 Blk 20- O’Neill WD — Clarence Faulhaber to Richard Faulhaber 3-10-55 $1 Ey2swy4 12- wy>Nwy4 13-29-9 WD — Maggie Smith to Nellie Smtih 10-5-46 $1- Part of SWy4 20-26-12 Sheriffs Deed—Leo S Tomjack to James Van Every 2-7-55 $31.25 Lots 7 & 8 Blk 19- Page WD—Bennie Hill to Ben Gilli gan & wf 1-24-55 $12,000- So 83 ft lots 1 and 2 Blk E- Fahy’s 2nd Add- O’Neill WD — Clair J Schroth to Wm Hinze & wf- no date $7250- Sy> Nwy4- wy>swy4 Sec 12-29-9 WD— Harry E Pelcer to Clar ence E Spence 3-3-55 $1- Part of SEy4SEy4 32-30-14 WD—Walter Brown to T E Al derson & wf 1-6-55 $1300- Lots 4-5 & 6 Blk 1- Cooke’s Add Chambers SHERIFFS DEED—Leo S Tom jack, Sheriff to James O’Connor 2- 7-55 $10- Lot 1 Blk 3- Emmet SD—Leo S Tomjack, Sheriff to James O’Connor 2-7-55 $5- No 20 ft lots 5-6 & 7 Blk 3- Emmet SD—Leo & Tomjack, Sheriff to James O’Connor 2-7-55 $5- So 20 ft of No 40 ft of Lots 5-6-7 Blk 3- Emmet WD—Ross E Taylor to Gailard Albright & wf 11-10-54 $950 South 67 ft lots 1-2-3-4-5 Blk 5 Page SD—Leo S Tern jack- SheriffTo R D Cole and G O Cole 2-7-55 $25- Lots 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 & 10 Blk F- Lyons Add- Emmet Lukemia Blamed for Child’s Death ATKINSON—Little Judy Skrd la, 3, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Skrdla, who reside southwest of Atkinson, died at 1:45 p.m., Thursday, March 17, in Atkinson Memorial hospital. She had suffered incurable lukemia for the past five months. Her third birthday anniversary was Febru ary 28. Funeral services were conduct ed Saturday, March 19, from St. Joseph’s Catholic church when the angel’s mass was said by Rev. R. J. Parr. Burial was in St. Joseph'* cemetery. Survivors include: Parents; brothers—Larry, 8Vi; Donnie and Ronnie (twins), 7Vi; Jerome, 8V4 months; sister — Mary Ann, 0; grandparents— Mr. and Mrs. Ed ward Jansen of Stuart. Mrs. Skrdla’s maiden name was Evelyn Jansen of Stuart. Frontier for printing! . ■■ - . -rwr--'i: - ■:—-tt—ra O Kim FOOD EASY TO SEE— O EASY TO REACH! The most convenient freezer in . the world! J Modal No. CO-1J-U • 3 Roll-out Baskets! • Roomy Juice Dispenser! • Select-O-Trays! • Refrigerated - Shelves! u You Pay Only $49.50 Down Balance in Easy Payments as you use! SPECIAL! 15-Cu. Ft. CHEST FREEZER - Now_ 299.50 MIDWEST FURN. & APPL. Phone 346-J West O'Neill Automatically your best buy! 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