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About The frontier. (O'Neill City, Holt County, Neb.) 1880-1965 | View Entire Issue (Sept. 26, 1957)
Prairieland Talk— Lucile Cress Hull—Only Survivor By HO MAINE SAUNDERS, «I10 South Slat St., Lincoln 8, Nebr. LINCOLN Prairteland Talker received a let ter from Lucile Cress Hull, route 2, box 285. Acam pn, Calif Mrs. Hull is the only surviving member of the Cress fanuly. pioneers on the prairie ot the O’Neill community. After the death of Mr. Cress, the family moved into O’Neill. Mrs Cress died in Lin coln in 1934 lAicille’s hus band died in 1953. She has been living in Cal ifornia for 41 years hut cher ishes memories of childhood and girlhood days and the friends of those days back fare Her favonte teacher was Maude Gillespie. "All the kids loved her” she mays She recalls her Sunday mchool teacher, Agnes Uently, and the lessons inculcated that have stayed with her Saunders through life. Gladyse and Ronnie Pfund. the last of that family which had lived in O'Neill, reside near her in Calitomia. Jake Pfund was in the grocery business in O - Neill for some years. Laurence Skirving, another O'Neill native, lives in Sacramento, Calif . and Mrs. Hull has visited with him via telephone. And 1 see by her letter that Laicille is another of those lonely souls now treading the highway of life to ward its sunset. She would like to have a letter from any in O’Neill who may remember her. • • • tine of tho*e winged chariot* of the air sell for $2,000,000 at the airplane factory. With a roll of cash like that what would a guy want with an airplane In September in the year 1904 the last ot the county division proposals was brought out. Atkin son and Ewing patriots wanted a county court house in their midst. An imaginary line was drawn from south to north across the center of the county. All west of that line was to be known as Meadow county. The east half was divided in the center, the southern half to be known as Elkhoro and the northern half retaining the name Holt. The fall election defeated the proposal . . . Republi cans of the then 13th senatorial districts nominat «>d 1 >r. J. B. Gilligan as their candidate for the senate. He was elected. . . Miss Margaret Hall went to Omaha to become a student at an Omaha college . . . F. J. Dishner went to Omaha on busi ness A daughter was horn October 5 that year to Mr and Mrs. Patrick Minton. . . Mrs. Perkins, a relative of the Bentley family, came from Ore gon tor a visit here. . . Cards were out announcing the marriage of Fred C. Barnett and Miss Mar tha Cress. . . . Mrs. Mary O’Sullivan and children returned from a visit with friends in Boyd county. . Mr. and Mrs. O. O. Snyder were in San Fran cisco, Calif., attending a gathering of the Odd Fel lows. • • • Prairieland is robed in velvet green across the farflung landscape, nature holds today the early autumn charm. Standing speechless before the flower tinted picture this calm September even ing, not a breeze in motion nor cloud to bedim the setting sun's refulgent glow, and I am aware that an unseen Hand has drawn the picture, spread the velvet carpet lieneath our feet, inspiring human ad oration and gratitude to an all wise Creator. • * • !Slate Sen. Terry Carpenter of the Sootts Idnfl country tells prairieland patriots that our high ways are “|M>litieal.” Suppose he infers that it lakes a |xditlcal pull to secure taxors at our highway depart incut at the state house. It can hardly be that bad. As I ride the state highways] I w no politica on display. • • » &> you say what you think! Do you think what you say? Walking along a street in O'Neill on an early morning stroll early this past summer 1 was ap proached by Hugh Birmingham who invited me j to join him for a ride about the city. Later in the j day we drove to Atkinson. Hugh then appeared to be in customary health. I had known Hugh's la ther. the late Tom Birmingham, since the days when he came to O'Neill as a young man trom has native Wisconsin and launched out in the lumber business with another from his home community, the late Ed F. Gallagher. Tom was a dashing young blood who whirled the girls as in the dance at the skating rink that he and Mr. Gallagher built. Tom spent his days from young manhood here in O Neill until he was layed away among the dead where now his son, Hugh, has joined that number less caravan. Friendly and generous, but see no more on the streets of his native O’Neill. * * * His name la Rodney . At the age of nine years and six months he was put to work in a coal mine In his native Scotland. Came to America as a young man and followed the miners job in various states. Today at the age of 82 years he serves as custodian or janitor of a Lincoln hank and pulls down a day, gets social secur ity checks and dwells in comfort with his totally blind wife. And writes poems. • • • The closing of the poultry dressing plant in O’ Neill marks the passing of another community enterprise. First the butter-making plant closed sometime in the 1880’s, then the meat packing plant closed down, followed by flour mills, chicory factory and brickyard. Closing of the Tri-State is a loss to the community and poultry farmers throughout Holt county. For many years car loads of dressed Holt county chickens and turkeys were shipped East to be served on dining tables in the great city of New York. But Holt county beef is still available. I earned on a recent visit there that the combined herds of just three of the ranchers in the county make a drove of 22,000 cat tle. And TTie Frontier still goes to press on time. • • • A clergyman’s story of his visit to Moscow presents a different picture than that coming from other sources. The American gentleman of the cloth was in the Russian capital during the inter national youth gathering there in Jull and reports flags of many nations, among them stars and stripes, all over the city and banners in various languages- English, French, German and others— floating messages of welcome. He joined the na tives in a church service and the worshipers were free to carry on their services. I walked a day in early September where pio neers walked in the long ago. where Neil Brennan, John McCafferty, Father Cassidy, Doc Mathews, Jim Higgs had walked. Concrete now covers their foot prints and hides from view the hoof marks of Boh Ingersol's and Sam Elwood’s saddle ponies buried under pavement. Where covered wagons ad the mounts of cowlx»ys once were seen now it is crowded with automobiles. Only the bell ot St. Patrick’s church up on the hill remains. • ■ * The swival chair farmers have the crop gath ered in Nebraska’s cornbelt and report an average of 4.3 bushels to the ace. Better wait until Clod hopper Harry and Husker Hank come from the fields to tell us what has been the yield. Prairie land has abundance of everything that grows here this another year and the landscape lies serene robed in silken green. • • • Secretary of Agriculture Benson has the na tions’ tough job and that he would like to quit and go back to his duties as an apostle in the Mor mon church is understandable. President Eisen hower asked him to continue as a member of the cabinet and Mr. Benson consents to remain on the job in Washington. Editorial— Don’t Disregard Weather Proverb l>on't disregard all the fixed saws and pro verbs about the weather. Some of them are based on fart "Rainliow at night, sailors' delight; rainbow in the morning, sailors take warning." It's tine. And Duncan Emrich explains why in his October Reader’s Digest article “Come Wind, Come Weather!” condensed from the Journal of lifetime Living. Rainbows can only be seen in the morning or in the late afternoon, when the low position of the sun in the sky is reflected against the clouds. Since our weather normally comes from the west, a rainbow in the late afternoon ("at night") when the sun is setting in the westmeans that he clouds and storm causing it are in the east, and have passed over. A rainbow seen in tne morning, on the other hand, will be in the west—since the ris ing sun from the east against the western clouds makes it possible; the weather—the rain and storm will thus be moving eastward toward you. Other weather folklore also is based on scien tific observation. For instance, old-timers believe that cobwebs on the grass are a sign of fair weath er. TTiey also believe that:“When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.” Both the belief and the proverb are true. Em rich says. Cobwebs can be seen only when there is dew on the ground. And dew cannot form un less the skies are cloudless and there is no wind. A ctoud-sheet would prevent the radiation which caused the loss of heat and resulting condensation on the grass. A windless night is necessary lest warm air passing over he ground prevent it from cooling. The weather bureau does not draw upon such proverbs for its scientific reports, but its chief, F. W. Reichelderfer. is not dogmatically negative about them. Some of the omens prove out with remarkably accuracy. You Can’t Win A man’s life is full of trouble. He comes into the world without his consent and goes out usually against his will, and the trip between his coming and going is exceedingly rocky. The rule of con traries is one of the features of this journey. When he is little, the big girls kiss him; but when he is big, only little girls kiss him. If he is poor, he's said to be a bad manager; if he’s rich, they'll claim he's dishonest. If he needs credit, he can’t get it; if he is pros perous, everybody wants to do him a favor. If he is in politics, they say he takes graft; if he’s out of politics, they say he is not patriotic. H he gives to charity, it’s for show. If he doesn't. he’s a stingy cuss. When he’s actively religious, some will say he’s a hypocrite; if he doesn’t take a deep interest in religion, they’ll call him a hard ened sinner. If he gives affection, he’s a soft specimen; if he cares for nobody, he’s cold-blooded. If he dies young, there was a great future for him. If he lives to be an old man, he missed his calling. If he saves money, he’s a grouch; if he spends it, he’s a squanderer. If he works hard, they say he’s crazy; if he doesn’t work, he’s a bum . . . so what’s the use? —Author Unknown Criticism Not Insurrection How many persons who have been reading about the legal troubles in Arkansas know that, without a test case in the courts, there is actually no way of finding out what the constitution means? This question was posed Tuesday by David Law rence, newspaper columnist and editor of U.S. News & World Report. How many know that every citizen has an in herent right to dispute a court ruling, and that thus does not necessarily mean “defiance” but an or derly attempt to establish what the "law of the land” really is? Judging from the harsh criticisms hurled at the governor of Arkansas, there is a popular belief that the federal government exercises some sort of dictatorship and that any one who challenges its action in the normal course is guilty of “insurrec tion.” No ruling as to what is or is not constitutional has ever been rendered’ by the supreme court of the United States at any time except when the workings of a particular statute of Congress or of a state law have been disputed in court proceeding. CARROLL W. STEWART. Editor and Publisher Entered at the postoffice tn O’Neill, Holt coun ty, Nebraska, as second-class mail matter under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. This news paper is a member of the Nebraska Press Associa tion, National Editorial Association and the Audit Bureau of Circulations. Terms of Subscription: In Nebraska, J2.50 per year; elsewhere in the United States, $3 per year; rates abroad provided upon request. Ail sub r* .. News, Views and Gossip By THE EDITOR k==J Gloves for O Neill? Max Pofahl, who hails from Ewing and won golden gloves boxing titles at Norfolk four out of seven years, firmly believes O’Neill is ripe for a boxing team •’There’s bound to be a lot of kids around O'Neill with an ap petite and a desire to box,” Max declared Thursday while at tending the cattle sale. •'Wouldn't take much encour agement to get me to organize a bunch of kids and train them.” Max is one of the fighting Po fahls who have had singular suc cess in golden gloves competition and have brought a lot of glory to their hometown of Ewing. Max insists that Walt Flick, Inman farmer-stockman, is re sponsible for much of Ewing’s boxing success. “Walt has been a hard-working, conscientous manager - trainer. He’s one of the finest men I ever knew, lives clean, and his own boxing background and training habits have always been a model for members of the Ewing team.” Max says the boxing training must start at about 11- or 12 yea rs-old if you're going to de velop a champion. "Don't expect any titles the first year or two after a team is organized. It takes a lot of hard work to build a champion. The boys you meet in the advanced competition at Norfolk and in the midwest meet in Omaha are "bad boys—real bad” (meaning dan gerous to meet in the ring.) Max says the risk of personal injury has been virtually remov ed from golden gloves competi tion. "It's a wonderful sport. I’m ranching not too far from O'Neill and I d like to get a team going.” -CAL STEWART W hen You & I Were Young . . . ‘Stupified by Effects of Destructive Storm Historian McCafferty Pens Description 50 Years Ago Historian McCafferty wrote a graphic description of one of the most destructive storms in Holt county’s history' that took place July 24, 1907. Excerpts: “I went over the country where the storm was most furious, in a short w'hile after, on my way to the hospitable u_ . r cJL:_i * xir V... stage, and was stupified at the aftermath of destruction in that triangular country from Mrs. Wid ow Hopkins to Walt Hodgins and from there to Widow McGowen’s place. From Miss May McGow an's field to George Hansen’s the loaves were beaten off the trees and in some instances the trees themselves were stripped and left bereft of the habilments of bark. Stephen Hicks lost 30 hogs.” (Ed itor's note: The late Mr. MeCaf ferty was the father of Mrs. John Melvin of O’Neill and Mrs. J. A. Frenking of Omaha.) 20 Years Ago The poultry team of Marjory Rees and Vera Grutsch received a blse ribbon at the state fair. The forestry’ team of Donald Scott and Dick Shearer won a red ribon. . . Deaths: Roy D. Judge of near Emmet and Mrs. Carrie Cronk of northeast of Page. . Some 1,000-pound steers brought $10.10 per hundred at O'Neill Livestock market. They were grass fat steers. 10 Years Ago Open-house is being planned at the new American Legion club. Mrs. Orland Fryrear of At kinson, rural school teacher, had an emergency operation and was followed to the hospital in a short time by her husband. . . Miss Ei leen Sullivan was hostess at a prenuptial shower given in honor of Miss Ella Mae Clark. One Year Ago U- S. Sen. Carl Cnrtis told of hardships on non-union truck firms at a dinner meeting here. ... At a Save-The-Trains meeting at Bassett with Chicago & North Western railroad officials, neither side would budge from stand tak en earlier. . . The civil aeronau tics administration okayed a $8, 000 airport improvement. Mrs. K. C. Wrede Heads Club— The September meeting of the Cactus Ranchette project club was held on Tuesday, September 17. at the Ed Boshart home. Mrs. Roy Boshart was a visitor Officers for 1958 were ' elect „Th£ officers are: Mrs. WJ£de„ Pendent; Mrs. Elmer Devall, secretary Mrs Axel Borg, music leader; Mrs! Opal Hammerlun, news reporter October meeting is to be held Elmer Devall.—By Melba \\ rede, news reporter. For Auto Liability & Property Damage INSURANCE Town 5-10-5 17.20; Farm, 13 60 Town 10-20-5 19.00; Farm, 15.00 Town 25-50-5 20.20; Farm, 16.00 Fire and Extended Coverage 5 year Annual Pay Town Dwel ling $2.60 per $1,000.00 Farm: $8.00 per $1,000.00 first year and $3.50 each subsequent year. No renewals required. See, Write or Phone L. G. GILLESPIE Insurance Agency O’Neill Phone 218 and 114 Mrs. James Berigan to Appear on Panel Today (Thursday! the Omaha Arehdioeesan Council of Catholic Women will hold its annual con vention at the city auditorium in Fremont. Most Rev. Gerald T. Bergan, archbishop of Omaha, will cele brate mass at 9 a m . at St. Pat rick's church to open the session Theme of the convention, the centennial year of the Catholic church in Nebraska, is "Faith Through the Century", which will be keynoted by Rev. Leo Kreikemeir of Hooper. Rev Hen ry Caspar of Creghton unversity j will give the history of the I church in Nebraska. A panel discussion on "Spirit ual Values and the Woman", led by Mrs. Peter MeShane of Oma ha. will follow the 12 o’clock luncheon. Moderator will he Rev. I Paul Sehvvaab of St. Peter and Paul Parish of Omaha, and the I evaluator will be Rev. Robert E. Southard of St. Magaret Mary’s, Omaha. Those taking part in the i panel are Mrs. Joseph H. Dins | lage of West Point, Mrs. Ludwig Stanek of Scribner and Mrs. James Berigan of Atkinson. Archbishop Bergan will give the closing address. Luncheon reservations should he made with Mrs. Roy Lee, 1879 Parkview, Fremont, luncheon ! chairman. Those serving on committees along with other northeast Ne braska women are: Mrs, A. A. Kalkowski of Lynch, hospitality, and Mrs Dave Weider of Lynch, nominating. Letter to Editor September 21. 1957 RiHite 2 BentonviUe. Ark. We southerners feel honored in deed to have a dam yankee stand up for the fundamental principle of state rights The truth is Governor Faubus made a fool of himself Little Rock would have become inte grated without much trouble; but Orval wanted the southeast seg regation vote. He planned on running for governor again; or else wanted to replace Senator McClellan. Now even his own party is sick of him. He has lost the vote of northwest Arkansas and 1 believe his political days are numbered. Time magazine indicted him for coming down from a small town and running a country news paper. While we have to admit that small town editors are very low intellectually; we must ad mit that small towns didn't pro duce Jimmy Walker, Mayor O' Dwyer, Legs Diamond or A1 Ca pone. Neither did small towns pro duce Tom (I Like Me) Dewey, or Harry (Peanuts) Truman. And, best of all, they didn't produce it...IN NEBRASKA? I Scotia, Nebc., boasts probably tho only buildings in tho world mado from chalk. Many yoars ago chalk was quar ;• riod from tho nearby B Chalk Minos, which I still attract tourists . today. You con s»o theso “caves" just a I few miles south of Scotia on Highway 11. Beer Belongs ... as a refreshing Nebraska division part of modern-day Nebraska. United States Its good taste is in good taste- ZZl'L anytime, anywhere. 812 First Nat l Dank Bldg., Lincoln Eleanor Kruschef Rooaevelt. John Kasper is in jail and will stay there for some time. So, trying to avoid a civil war, I am Very truly yours, Ralph N. Leidy i Editor's note: A couple of years ago Mr. Leidy told us Ben tom ille had only four Negroes. , One was named Cal Stewart). Kozella Worth N 3 Years-Old— Little Rozella Worth was three years-old Tuesday. September 17. but celebrated it the next day at the home of her parents, the Hoy Worths Guests at the dinner were her grandparents. Mr. and Mrs C. K. Worth and Mr ami Mrs Fred Lindberg and Miss Marian Rosenkrans Dr. Donald E. David OPTOMETRIST Eyes Examined Glasses Fitted Phone r 101 Sproeer SELLING AT AUCTION As 1 have been transferred to Norfolk, I will sell my homo, j known as the former Cecil tirenier place, at the residence, lo rated three blocks east and four blocks south of the center stop light In O'Neill, Nebraska, on— SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH AT 1 :8<l P. M. 5-ROOM DWELLING With full basement, nice lot with spare for garden; fdf.e of lot and legal description will lx- legally described from records of the abstract. Same to he furnished with warranty deed. TERMS OK SALE: 25 percent of purchase price date of sale, balance on delivery of abstract and title. MR. AND MRS. EARL FARR ED THORIN. O'Neill Licensed Hroker and Auctioneer Fixtures, Stock of Sundries Store o£ ■ ■ ■ PUBLIC EWING, NEBRASKA HAVING DECIDED TO QUI I BUSINESS, I will offer the following described fix tures and equipment in an established Sundries Store at Ewing, located 55 miles north west of Norfolk on U.S. Highway 275, OR 20 miles southeast of O’Neill on U. S. 275, on— Saturday, October 5th Sale to Start at 7:30 P. M. I Ottering Includes: • ICE CREAM & SODA FOUNTAIN Extra large, very good condition • DOUBLE-UNIT ICE CREAM MACHINE • ICE CREAM CABINET • 8-FT. REFRIGERATOR • TWO CASH REGISTERS • ADDING MACHINE • 100-FT. OF WALL TYPE MERCHAN DISE DISPLAY CASES Nine feet in height, plate glass win- || dows with sliding doors • FOUR CONVENTIONAL DISPLAY CASES • CARD RACKS • ISLAND DISPLAYS The fixtures will be offered initially as a unit. Purchaser of fixtures can obtain stock of merchandise at 1 0 percent discount of inventory value. Building may be leased. Mer rhandise Dresentlv will inventorv at approximately $1,500. COMMENT This GIBSON STORE has an excellent location and is the only sundries (or drug store) of its type in the territory, 'me community needs and will support a store of this kind. TERMS Sale will be conducted in compliance with the Nebraska Bulk Sales Law. TERMS: Cash. Inspection of premises may Is1 arranged by contacting the owner, who Is <»pe rating the store. GIBSON SUNDRIES A. L. GIBSON, OWNER COL. ED THORIN, O’Neill, FARMERS STATE BANK, Auctioneer-Broker Ewing, Clerk