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
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Bl Tw #^M* M f+T«T3 i
o
o 0
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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
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amazing oddities in farming . . .
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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
