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About The frontier. (O'Neill City, Holt County, Neb.) 1880-1965 | View Entire Issue (March 8, 1962)
Prairieland Talk "Lads Caught by Priest" By KOMAINE SAUNDERS, 4110 South 51st St., Lincoln 6, Nebr. i iRii* was no scnooihousc*. no courthouse, in the early lX80's in my youthful days in O'Neill. No post office building, no homes up that way except the little shanty of a house that was the home of Father Smith, the early day pastor of Saint Fhitrick’s church, where the well adorned edifice now slands. It was a Sunday morn ing and some kids were romp ing atiout in the open south of the church. The priest saw them and out he came and herded the boys into his sanct uary. And who were those lads, just sons of fathers and mothers of pioneer days and members if Father Smith's church group. Bonutae Yes, Frank Mann was one of Saunders them. Kd Tierney another and ‘"Powderly” Mc Nichols another with two or three more. Jimmie Davidson and I were laughing onlookers with a few others over whom that devout priest had no author ity, all of them dead and gone now while Prairie land Talker is still sticking around and will prob ably venture to go by that place of an early day the next visit I make to the home town of my youth. • * • He tells us he was 150 miles skyward and flew around the world, on which you and I walk, three times in four hours. I wonder. Yet, I read in holy scripture that a Hebrew captive who had become prime minister in old Babylon while engaged in his evening devotions with his vision directed to his home land felt the touch nf a hand. Looking up he was startled to see an angel at his side who said to him, "At the beginning of thy supplications the command came and I was made to fly swiftly.” From heaven to earth in a few minutes. Has now me of our adventuresome citizens flown at the speed of a Heavenly Being, and what sort of wagon or Ixobsled did he have and what was it that pushed him on at 1700 miles an hour. Fifty miles an hour out on the highways is fast enough for old man Prairieland Talker. * * * The Tribune, the Alliance Tribune, the Beacon Light in the basement of the bank that still stands, the Holt County People in a little building by Bren nan’s hardware store, the Free Press in the base ment of the Holt County Bank building, the Sentinel a block east of that bank, the Item near the Biglin Ituilding on south Fourth street, The Sun in the bank basement just to the north of where the Item office had been, and The Frontier which survives them all after experiencing two fires and one attempt to wreck the plant. And The Frontier with the Holt County Independent still dish up the news at O' Neill and nine or ten other sheets now no more. So now north Nebraska ranch homes and cattle ranch life is to be filmed, with a bunch of sandhills cowboy ranchers showing off. Glad to note that R. H. Clifford of our Atkinson community is one of the group undertaking this film method of giving the public a look-in on prairieland's great industry and the happy home life on our vast grass robed landscape. And I think again of my horse and saddle days of the long ago on the open prairie which I left to become a printer newspaper editor. And did it not have its fascination, too? • * * Now the month of March. To many in the O’ Neill community in earlier times a day in March was observed in memory of their revered Saint Patrick. My father, his lifeless form in the abode of the dead for 75 years, was bom on March 17, in the year 1830, and as a child saw that frightening and wondrous sight the falling stars in 1833. My youngest son was bom into this troubled world a Saint Patrick’s day, and was over there in govern ment service in Hawaiian waters when Pearl Harbor was blown up by the Japanese. Saint Patrick’s Day get your green ribbon. * * • The FE & MV trains puffed their way up the Elkhom stopping at towns along the way, pulled up to a stop by the depot at the southern limits of O’Neill. Maybe John McBride and Rosco Conklin got off the train as Mike Lyons got on to return to Emmet and Editor Werts got aboard to return to his job at Stuart. The train rolled on to come to a stop at Lx>ng Pine the end of the railroad in early times. But later tracks were laid on west and event ually the Northwestern railroad was rolling trains across north Nebraska. Then came The Short Line out of Sioux City to O’Neill. An age of railroading. Where is it now? No passenger trains today serving those in northern Nebraska and southern South Dakota. The last train I saw roll out of O’Neill was a long line of freight cars making a train nearly a half mile in length. Passenger trains no more. But buses. A bus from the north, from the west, south and east. But can we never have a passenger car to ride in again up and down the Elkhom Valley? * * * Said to be five million women alcoholics in our fair land. How to prevent becoming one of them is being studied. One sure way—touch not the stuff that makes it. * * * Yes, out where that blanket of snow now is, some weeks from now will be a robe of velvet green, the blooming prairie rose, the beautiful golden rod and the birds flying alxntt. The winter cold and long will end and spring time beauties bloom again. Editorial First Hand Information It won’t 1)0 long before the local schools will l>e visited by representatives of higher education institutions. At this time the graduating seniors are given information concerning different professions they might be interested in as their life’s work. Univer sities, colleges and business schools explain the schedules needed for the chosen professions and present subjects available at the institutions. We well remember the confusion at this age— the uncertainty in making up one’s mind as to what, if anything, we wanted to do the rest of our life. However, when we had Career Day, local busi ness and professional people gave of their time to come to the schoolhouse and personally talk to the seniors. They explained in first-hand knowledge the good and the bad points of their work, even dis cussed the financial prospects for each profession. Within the number of businessmen and profes sional people who gave their talks were a few who were truly dedicated to their work. They talked of their work in such a way that they “reached” stu dents and enthused them to the point that they wanted to do the same thing. In particular we remember a nurse who was so delighted with her profession that she couldn’t sing enough praises about nursing. Consequently, many senior girls promptly decided to be a nurse. This was also true of a certain lawyer who loved his work and although he had been a lawyer for years, still retained the memory of what had made him select this profession. He, too, impressed the seniors and helped a few make up their minds. It isn’t enough for young people to have financial backing for higher education. They sadly need di recting and enthusiasm for a certain goal. Without this help they will drift from one school to another, seeking their place in life. We suggest that O’Neill seniors be treated to talks by business and professional people. Who can better explain the drawbacks, the hardships and the advantages of their jobs. In some professions the students could even visit the place of business and learn first hand information that would be of great value. This present-day trend of young people going to college with the idea that they will then decide upon a profession, causes needless waste of time and money. With a goal in sight, the proper subjects are taken and the student applies himself more to his studies. j There are many shortages of help in various professions. How much better to have a man from each profession address the seniors and "sell” them on these jobs rather than let them try to work it out when going to college. Such guidance will long be remembered by any student who choses his future work in this way. Frontiers Ago 50 YEARS AGO J. P Gallagher left for St. Jo seph, Mo., last Sunday to pur chase his spring and summer stock. . With a $20,000 hotel building and a $15,000 free public library assured for this year O’ Neill promises to be quite lively daring the building season of 1912. . .F. C. Gatz has disposed of his meat market to Smith & Larson who took charge last Monday. . . Last Wednesday D. H. Cronin fil ed for re-nomination to the legis lature from the 53rd legislative district. . .A scheduled 10-round boxing bout between Gene Sulli van and George Dixon ended in the second round last Friday night when Dixon, after having taken several straight punches on the jaw, threw up the sponge. . . W. B. Graves, the popular jewe ler, has been passing the cigars around to celebrate the arrival of a son at his home Monday. Zo V t,AKs AlA) County Clerk Gallagher, County Judge Malone and Superintendent of Schools McClurg are now in their new quarters at the new courthouse building. . .Dr. F. L. Wilson of Stuart has disposed of his practice to spend some time in post graduate work. . .Mrs. Mary E. Lamason died at the home of her son northeast of Page Monday morning at the age of 89 years. . .Editor Ralph Kelly of the Atkinson Graphic has been elected to the presidency of the Nebraska Press association. . . Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Hicks, who have been residing at Page the past two years, have moved - back to O’Neill. 10 YEARS AGO Kenneth Waring, Republican, was appointed to fill the vacancy on the Holt county board of sup ervisors created when Axel L. Borg, O’Neill, Republican, re- ■ signed. . ,St. Mary's Cardinals ' capture class “C” basketball tournament at Atkinson 39-37. . . Mr. and Mrs. Henry Albrecht have been informed that their son, Pvt. Edward H. Albrecht, has been wounded in action in Korea. . Petitions appeared this week to place the names of O. D. French and John C. Watson on the municipal election ballot for city clerk and city treasurer po sitions, respectively. . .Todd Tomlinson, former O’Neill resi dent, dies February 29 at Lynch following long illness. . .Holt county to furnish 10 inductees. 5 YEARS AGO Thomas J. Donohoe celebrates 85th birthday March 3. . .F N. Cronin and Ira H. Moss announce they would not be candidates for re-election to city school board of education. . .Mrs. Helen Sulli van’s flower shop is moved from south side of Douglas to north side first door east of Golden hotel. . .Robert J. Yantzie, 34, lifelong resident of the O’Neill community, dies February 28 af ter two months illness. . .Mrs. Ada Cox, Chambers, will cele brate her 92nd birthday March 8. . .Mr. and Mrs. John Kee will hold open house Sunday in ob servance of 50th wedding day. . . Manager Eton McKamy of the O’Neill Grain company announces his firm has purchased the Brad dock elevator at Page. The Long Ago At Chambers SO YEARS AGO The basket social given by Miss Bernice Adams Friday evening in the Wintermote School District, was a huge success both socially and financially about sixty being present. . .P. E. Fisher, who has bought the cream route from E E. Perrin, has moved into the old Fern Smith residence. . Mr. Fern Smith and Mr. Clint Grimes left Monday for Arriola, Colo., where they expect to locate if suited. . .‘‘The Lady of Lake" will be played in Chambers March 15. . .Young Peters lost a valuable horse in O’Neill last Fri day in a runaway. . .Charles Hen deison is moving on the George Anderson place. . .Charles Allen has sold lus farm and rented the Reed Bell farm where he will live. . .Adv. — Round steak, 15 cents; sirloin steak, 15 cents; shoulder steak, 12 cents, and po tatoes, $1 per bushel at Smith Brothers. 25 YEARS AGO Judge J. Q. Ingram spoke the words that united in holy wed lock Miss Lois Snyder and Mr. Wilbur Osborn February 20 at Neligh. . Knute Thompson and family moved this week to Ains worth and C. I. Smith and fam ily are moving into the place vacated by the former. . .Funeral services were held for Ernest Carl Zuehlke who died February 23 at the age of 60 years. . .Os car Erwin and family have rent ed a farm between O’Neill and Page and have moved to their new location. . .The Chambers Circle club will meet with Mrs. Bob Starr March 5. . .Chambers team did not play at Neligh Fri- - day in the basketball tournament as it was cancelled due to a scarlet fever epidemic in Neligh. Riverside News By Mm. Lionel Gunter Friends in the Riverside corn in unity l»ad a miscellaneous shower for Jacqueline Barnhart Wednesday evening at the Grant Mott home. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Miller and family visited Friday evening at the William Lofquist home. Becky Miller was a guest of Jody and Julie Fry last Sunday. Sherry 9witzer spent Thursday night with Joan Miller. The Kenneth Pollock family were dinner guests Sunday at the Dave Pollocks. The Forum group and their families had a waffle supper Fri day at the church annex. Carol Ann Napier was an over night guest of Nancy and Reta Napier Tuesday. Mr. and Mrs. Dale Napier were supper guests. Sheila Fry sjient Thursday night with Janie Fry. Mr. and Mrs. Rudy Abler* were dinner guests last Sunday at the Fred Ritter home at Til den in honor of Patricia Kil ler’s birthday anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Z. H. Fry, Nan cy and Reta Napier visited in O’ Neill Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. Willie Shrader and David, Mr. and Mrs. Ger ald Wettlauffer and Gary and Ed die and Alice Shrader were sup per guests last Sunday at the Ar chie Johnston home. Mr. and Mrs. Z. H. Fry were supjier guests last Sunday at the Richard Napiers. Mr. and Mrs. George Keller and family were supper guests last Sunday at the Alfred Napier home. Mr. an Mrs. Dale Napier, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Napier and Sonjia, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Fry, Kevui and Kent and Mr and Mrs Lynn Fry were dinner guest* Tuesday at the Z. H Fry home is honor of Dale's birthday anniversary. Roads were drifted Thursday evening so Owen Schmidt spent the night at the Keith Biddlecome home and Connie, Linda. Larry and Gary Montgomery stayed overnight at the Raymond Schmidt home. Glenda Napier spent Friday night with Linda Yelli. Janet Switzer was an over night guest Friday of Becky Mil ler. Mr and Mrs. William LnftjuiM and family wer. dinner guest Sunday at the Wayne try hutne. Clayton Hoke spent the t»« week at the B A H*»rd home and attended school Kerry Barnhart was a week end guest at the Grant Mott home. Anqus Cross Calves WtK Npitet C«l*«» 34 Holttcin Clo** Spr<n««»» irtd.l #••<••**« on »*»*»**r»t Mid-State Sales, Inc. •«. 48 Verb. N.b» — M* 141* •i AM MUM ' Alice's Beauty Shop 325 E. Douglas St. Phone 263 Complete Beauty Service Slimliner Reducing Machine Locksmithing General Repairing of Locks of All Kinds Cars • Homes - Businesses —See— Joseph P. Shanner 112 So. 4th O’Neill ■ V I ft I I -I I I I I I w I » * 1 WJ H I ^;iakg|u|g^H LET YOUR FINGERS DO THE WALKING Shop the YELLOW ' way! PAGES NOTICE Butte Livestock Mkt. No More Special Saturday Sales Combined Hog & Cattle Sales EACH WEDNESDAY All Sale* Will Start at 12:30 P.M. You may contact either Ed Thorin at O'Neill or Roy Klrwan of Butte See us for your farm Auction* Personal property and land sales. e Extensive advertising program ED. THORIN, O’NEnX ROY KIRWAN, BUTTE | Home Phone 723 Home Phone 5287 \ Office Phone 207 Office Phone 0431 | ROY KIRWAN, Owner & Operator l BUTTE LIVESTOCK MARKET I Butte, Nebraska J for as little as a month ...you con invest in HAMILTON FUNDS. Hamilton is an investment fund holding common stocks in over 80 American companies, lump sum investments or monthly payment plans available. Write for I Dl RLIN D- DeB°LT Phone 257 | prospectus... I O. Box 207 — O’Neill, Nebr. no obligation I Please send prospectus-booklet without obligation. I ____ “ — I j Addrmtt | | ___ St afm -- i Bl Tw #^M* M f+T«T3 i o o 0 If you like farming ... if you like people... if you like fun ... you’ll like our John Deere Day show! From start to finish, it’s got something for every member of the family to enjoy . . . useful, entertaining farm information . . . comedy . . . music . . . top-flight Hollywood performers. Television personality George Gobel brings to the screen his familiar, home-spun brand of humor ... as star of the heart warming story that ties the show together . . . as master-of-ceremonies on film for the whole pro gram. Gobel, veteran actor John Carradine, and young Billy Mumy take you to a wondrous car nival that has all the color, glamour, and excite ment of a county fair. You’11 see “Lonesome George” in comedy sketches as hilarious as any thing he’s ever done on TV. It promises to be a day you’ll long remember! ------ \ You'll witness new John Deere equipment for 1962 . . . com bines actually being clocked in the field ... a labor-saving way to make hay . . . how top quality tractors are built . . . amazing oddities in farming . . . the story of a dealer’s business. Don't miss the greatest farm show of the year in this area! Come tee this new portable crop dryer and the whole line of "Whaft New" for 1942. DATE* Friday, Mar. 9 time? ]:30 p.m. place: Royal Theatre ALL farm families are invited FREE as our guests ... HARRY R. SMITH O'Neill, Nebraska