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About The frontier. (O'Neill City, Holt County, Neb.) 1880-1965 | View Entire Issue (Sept. 13, 1962)
Prairieland Talk "Another Holt Pioneer Family" By ROM AIN E SAUNDERS, 411) South 51st St- Lincoln 6, Nebr. Neur the village of Page and before there was a village of Page Jim Shanner held down a home stead and struggled in pioneer days at times hungry and cold. Lived it out with his good wife ami two sons and developed a beautiful Prairieland home where he and his wife both came to life’s journeys end some years ago. Their one surviving son is a citizen of O'Neill today In fur niture repair business at the Odd Fellow 1 Holding on South Fourth street. Mr Pioneer Jim had a brother. L. T. Shanner, in the 1880’s in business in In man. L. T. was a member of the state legislature, became my brother-in-law und his daughter bom in O’Neill lives today in Washington, D. C. L. T., Grace and their one daughter left O’Neill alxiut 1892 and he ended his days in southern Indiana, where one daughter of L. T. and Grace lives today and one daughter born in O’Neill sticks it out in Washington. Mr. Stewart informs me that the hook of which he is author, stories of the last World War, is being taken over by publishers in London, France, Ger many and old Rome and will be for those in those lands in their own language. Editor Cal, a war historian. He saw it, serving as a captain in the IJ. S. forces And he stays by the printing press publishing four papers in Lincoln. * • * The prairie rose, a touch of beauty and frag rance here and there on our green robed landscape. The Hand that hung the stars and sun on high reached to earth and gave us the rose, the golden rod and many flowering beauties. • * * A night at the end of August a three inch rain beat upon my roof, lightning and crashing thunder Well wet and autumn begins. Next snowball time bul now no jingling sleighbells, just the puff and roai of automobiles *n the streets and highways. * * * County fair, state fair, world’s fair. Did you get to any of them? Yes, you met and visited with neighbors and friends on the fair grounds down bj Chambers or will yet do so. But pleasures of life are soon over, then back to the daily grind. Anc so along life’s way we go, smiles and joy, tear! and heartache. Then some day it is all over. George Riggs, brother of James who puhiished The Frontier at an early day. George was tall and handsome, like his brother took to printing and newspaper work. lie left O'Neill, went to Omaha, then to Council Bluffs and from there to the Capital City of Iowa where he ended his days. George was a part of the O'Neill picture in the days of political turmoil and wrote some scorching denouncements of the enemy. He was a brother of Mrs. Meredith and married an O'Neill girl. George, another one now no more. • • • There was a longing in her young soul for a life companion and a home. Most of the citizens dis dained her as a bad one. Time passed and the lovely dream of home and romance gave way to stem realities, so Net went with that old guy and his kids to their layout on Dry creek and became the housewife in a humble country home. He would swing into the saddle and ride along the streets to show off his horsemanship, just a young town fellow we knew as Jack. And he no more on a prancing horse but like Net under the sod in the abode of the dead up on the hill. * * * A grand crop of apples out in the back yard, yellow beauties for sauce and apple pie. Yes, pass the pie! • * * Atkinson’s prominent rancher, Mr. Peterson, did not have a champion horse at the state fair this year. But another Atkinson rancher George Meals should very well have gone to those fair grounds down at Lincoln with one of the classiest bit of horse flesh seen anywhere — Flossy, a plump fat bay mare now more than 26 years old, a beauty I sold to George long ago. On the Meals ranch five miles south of Atkinson you may see the best in livestock, including beautiful Flossy, a name I gave her in memory of a charming daughter-in-law of mine. * • • The elderly Mr. and Mrs. Watson, Mr. and Mrs. J. Robler, Mr. and Mrs. Riley, Mrs. VanLom, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Carpenter, Mr. and Mrs. H. L. James, the Berrys and Mr. and Mrs. Prairieland Talker are no more a part of the picture in lovely southwest Holt county. And that merchant prince from a far distant land who made that little spot called Amelia the trading center of the whole country too is no more, but there the land lays covered with prairie sod, a blow out here and there, the prairie wolf, the jackrabbits, birds and flowers, the bull snakes and other creeping things, and men and women, boys and girls. Editorial Valentine Loses Double Header Valentine took it on the chin Friday night as they dropped a double header here in O’Neill. In the warmup event of the evening the O’Neill Eagles dropped the Valentine Badgers 27-6 in the opening football game of the season. However, the action on the field apparently proved too exciting for some Valentine fans who felt called upon to stage an impromptu game of their own at the w'est end of the field at the end of the evening. They were obliged by some O’Neill rooters. O'Neill fans claimed victory in the game of fisticuffs which took place on the O’Neill side of the field. (Score is kept according to the number of opposing fighters knocked down and unofficial tally showed O’Neill leading 8-2 when the game wras called on account of darkness. The darkness was caused by officials turning off the lights on the field.! Post game comment in O'Neill indicates that the impromptu slugging matches have caused much more interest than the game between the two teams. Although Valentine fans doubtlessly believed they were justified in issuing the challenge to the O'Neill rooters and the O'Neill fans feel they were honor bound to accept it we can not help but wonder just how* much honor was preserved by the whole affair. Personally we're in favor of keeping the boxing matches in the ring and the football games on the slaying field. We sincerely hope that Friday night’s fights will not be turned into a tradition to be carried out each time Valentine and O'Neill meet for a football or basketball game. The athletic contests between these schools are too good to be marred by such juvenile antics. B J R Thoughtful Gestures It's right thoughtful of the Agriculture Depart ment to put together a little packet of its publica tions with the aim of helping brides and brides-to-be to do a good job of keepping house and preparing meals. In the packet are such titles as, “How to Know Butter Grades", “Food for Family Fitness” and "How to Prevent and Remove Mildew”. It’s all part of the department's efforts to make its consumer services more widely known. This sort of thoughtful gesture should be re ciprocated, Say by some public-spirited consumers who might get up a packet of leaflets to send Agri culture Secretary Freeman and his aides. Including, for instance, “1001 Tasty Uses for Surplus Butter”, "How to Avoid Grain Storage Headaches”, and perhaps, “What to Do if Allotments Go Sour”. Minute Editorial (105 Years Old) “It is a gloomy moment in history. Not for many years— not in the lifetime of most men who read this paper—has there been so much grave and deep apprehension; never has the future seemed so incalculable as at this time—in France the political caldron seethes and bubbles with uncertainty; Rus sia hangs as usual, like a cloud, dark and silent upon the horizons of Europe; while all the energies, resources and influences of the British Empire are sorely tried. “It is a solemn moment and no man can feel an indifference—which happily, no man pretends to feel—in the issue of events of our own troubles no man sees the end.” When was it written? October 10, 1857 in Harp er’s Weekly: Frontiers Ago | 50 YEARS AGO Wanted — Second cook at the New Ogden Hotel . . 3 J Weeks made a business trip to Omaha the first of the week. . .T .T. Waid was in town Saturday with a stalk of sweet com from his field that was over twelve feet tall. . .Automobiles are getting so common around here that some of the fanners are talking strong of getting flying machines . . We understand that Ralph Evans has disposed of his interests in Alaska and that he is coming back to good old Nebraska. . . Fine Candies and Hot Chocolate — McMillan & Markley’s Bakery and Candy Kitchen . . .adv . . 25 YEARS AGO The Alpha club met Sept. 8 with Mrs. V. K. Simonson. . . Mr. and Mrs. Bert Winchell are the parents of a baby girl, born to them last Tuesday. . .Mrs. Duke Downey and daughter came from Omaha Friday night to join Mr. Downey here, where they will make their home. . .Money saving prices at the Brown-Mc Donald Co. — Silk dresses, $3 98 — Suede Jackets, $5.98 — Over coats, $11.75. . adv. . 10 YEARS AGO Thirty-five neighbors gathered at the Harold Leise hayfield for an all-day haying bee. . .Seven teen haystacks were destroyed by fire at the D. C. Schaffer prop erty. . Bonnie Jean Harmon weds Roy W. Berner. . .Grandma Hull has another anniversary. She is a ‘grand old lady’ at 97th mile stone. . Bom to Mr. and Mrs. Owen Davidson, a daughter, Mar garet Sue, 7*6 pounds, bom Sept. 9. 5 YEARS AGO O’Neill high picks four cheer leaders. Elected for the 1957-58 season are Betty Schultz, Sharon Nelson, Carolyn Schmeichel and Linda Haynes. . .Marriage license was issued to Franca R. Rhode, 28 and Maureen M Mabony, 22, 28 and Maureen M. Mahoney, 22, both of O'Neill on Sept. 6. . . Future subscribers — Mr. and Mrs Norman Gonderinger, a non, Robert Michael, born September 7. The Long Ago At Chambers 50 YEARS AGO Born to Mr. and Mrs. John Wal ters Tuesday afternoon a fine young blacksmith. . .A fire was accidently started at the borne ol Gillette Bros, last Sunday burn ing up considerable clothing and bedding before it could be stop ped. . .Misses Edna Gleed and Hazel went to O’Neill Saturday where they will attend school the coming year. 25 YEARS AGO The attendance at the South Fork fair exceeded the year of 1936. And as a whole was far better, with more entertainment then we have had before. . -Ed ward Grimes, George, Vernon and Ward Smith left the first of the week for a ten day fishing trip to Lake of the Woods, Minn. . . I Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fauquier entertained the neighborhood to a watermelon feed 9unday after noon. Riverside News By Mrs. Lionel Gunter Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Hadduck and family, Sioux Falls, S. D., spent last Saturday night at the Walter Miller home, returning home Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. Art Busshardt and family visited last Monday at the Dave Pollock home and af ternoon callers were Mr. and Mrs. Otto Retke. Mr. and Mrs. Howard Miller called on Jessie Cronk and the Earl Stevens and Melvin Smiths at Page last Sunday afternoon. Mrs. Archie Johnston visited Mrs Leo Miller Friday afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. Earl Pierson vis ited at the George Montgomery borne Tuesday evening Mr. and Mrs. Dale Napier and the Lorraine Montgomery and Lynn Fry families were dinner guests Sunday at the Floyd Na pier borne in honor of Mrs Lynn Fry's birthday anniversary Mrs. Verl Gunter and children and Eddy and Alice Shrader were dinner guests last Sunday at the Gerald Wetlauffer home in O' Neill. Mr. and Mrs William Lofqmsl and family were dinner guests Sunday at the Frances. Roiher ham home. Frank Emsick, Omaha, spent last weekend visiting at the Z. H. Fry home, Sunday guests were Mr. and Mrs Daie Napier and the Richard Napier and Wayne Fry families The Leo Miller family were guests for coffee after the foot ball game, at the William Lof quist home. Mr. and Mrs. Lionel Gunter and Mrs. Rol Hord visited Mr. and Mrs. Dewitt Gunter in Norfolk Wednesday afternoon. Mr and Mrs. George Montgomery called on them Friday afternoon. Rodney Pol kick. Omaha. spent lust weekend at U»e Dave Polk>ck home Rodney and family had just returned from visiting hi# brother, Ralph at Seattle, Wash Mr. and Mrs George Montgom ery visited In O'Nnll Wednesday Mrs. Keith Biddlecome, Mr# Mi.drcd Wright ami Betty were Neligh visitors Thursday after noon. Mr and Mrs Lynn Fry ami family, Mr. and Mrs Dewitt Hoke. Mr. and Mr# Willie Shra der and David and Lee Fink fam ily were guests Friday evening at the Kitty Fry home after the foot ball game Mr and Mrs. Z H Fry ami Mr. and Mrs. Otto Krtke visited at the George Montgomery home last Monday evening Mrs George Keller visited at Um? Alfred Napier home last Wed n. slay, Mr and Mr#, Roger Stroja-. Milford, .-pent last weekend vis it ng relatives. Mike McNabb, Omaha, spent last Sunday at the William Lof quist home returning to his home in Omaha Monday. Mrs Dale Napier and Mr and Mrs. Z. H. Fry visited in Norfolk Wednesday. Mr And Mr*. Bert Fink cam* home last Tuesday after A week visiting at the William Fink home at Englewood, Colo. Mr and Mra. Lyle Switser vis ited at the Allred Napier twnw laat Sunday afternoon Mr and Mr*. Lionel Gunter were dinner guo*U laat Sunday at the H A Hurd home Mr amt Mr* Kudy Ahlcra were guest* laat Sunday at die Rikrrt Aiders home at Wianer us honor ol Mr* K«4sert Ahler* birthday. They alao called al the Frederick Huter home at TUden cnroute home. Mrs Verl Gunter and Johnny were dinner guest* laat Monday at the L <>nrl Guler liome. In the afternoon Alice Shrader ac companied Mra. Verl Gunter and children to ihetr home in Creigb* to kr a few day* visit Mr ami Mra Howard Miller called at the Al Anaon lmine Fri day afternoon to see the MW ba by boy. Alfred Napier went to Omaha Tus-day to see tin- showing of the new Chevrolet* Mr and Mrs Earl Pierson join ed the Marvin Prtbnow family las! Sunday at th- Marcus Pier son hone. It happened 100 YEARS ago The oldest incorporated trade association in the country, the United States Brewers Association, was organized In 1862... the same year that Sketch of first Homestead in The Nebraska Territory IN NEBRASKA the people cheered when they learned Con* gress had passed the Homestead Act, making it possible for them to get free land In the territory. Throughout the west the event was toasted with foaming steins of beer. For then, as now, beer was the traditional beverage of moderation — light, sparkling refreshment that adds a touch of Western Hospitality to any occasion. Nebraskans have always enjoyed the good fellowship that goes with every glass. TODAY in its centennial year, the United States Brewers Association still works constantly to assure maintenance of high standards of quality and propriety wherever beer and ale are served. --- A NEW PREMIUM TIRE EVERYONE CAN AFFORD... NEW CO-OP CUSTOM POWER BATTERIES NEW DEPENDABLE POWER. Provides extra punch when you need if. NEW heavier construction. Withstands temperature extremes & vibration. NEW -»**-*— LOWER prices. 6 and 12-volt models for all cars, light trucks. COUNTRY SQUIRE SVIUD AND SNOW TIRE PREMIUM PERFORMANCE—Quickly responds to your touch of the brake or gas pedaJ. PREMIUM LIFE—Up to 26% more mileage than most original equipment tires. PREMIUM STYLIN'G—Smart, functional styling adds beauty as well as safety. PREMIUM COMFORT — Luxurious air-cushion ride soaks up road shocks, vibration. PREMIUM GUARANTEE—CO-OP Sup. Safety Tires are guaranteed as long as tread re mains . . . without limit as to time or mileage. And they’re guaranteed not just against defects in workmanship, but against everyday driving hazards . . . rocks, glass, debris, chuck-holes and irre pair able nail punctures. PRICE you can afford—see your Coop manager today for the best price in the area for a premium quality tire. Tubeless; Hack or white sidewalls; sizes for all cars and light trucks. DEMAND THE BEST—CO-OP SUPER CUSTOM SAFETY TIKES OFFERED WITH PRIDE BY YOUR 1 HOLT COUNTY CO-OP o^neill chambers I A NEW \*. STANDARD OF HEATING COMFORT... l SIEGLER GAS HEATERS H"iT~ 'Tl—rin———imirMwnrnrw •nri»i»a,tn MARK III WALL FURNACE NEW BASEBOARD HEATERS The remarkable Siegler Gas Wall Furnace Now ... a complete automatic Siegler Gat Eours floor-level heat out the front, back and Heater that fit* right down along the base oth sides. Quiet, twin blowers force the heat board . . . takes practically no floor space, through ducts that pipe warm air to adjoin- The new Siegler Baseboard Heater is vented ing rooms at the side and back. The Mark III right through the wall . . . needs no expensive Is pinned to the wall or can be built-in. All chimney installations. Here's new heating com comfort and safety controls are built-in. And fort for add-on rooms, nursarias, closed-; a with the wall thermostat, Just set the tempera- porches. Here's perfect xone tempereture ture you desire and forget It. The Mark III control for the whole house. Siegler design obeys your command automatically. assures complete heat distribution over the floor, and each heater has it* own thermostat. • May be purchased from Kansas-Nebraska Natural Gas Co. or Your favorite gas appEance dealer. jmantiifiw i For Dependable GAS Service