Historical Society Ueljr. State NO. 94 vol. no. xivm PLATTS2IOTJTH, NEBRASKA, THURSDAY, DEC. 22, 1932. 1 i J Old Time Resi dent of the City Passes Away Endolf SpaTiTii Passed Away Saturday Evening After an Illness of Some Duration. From Monday's Daily The death of Rudolf Spahni, 84, resident of Plattsmouth for the past forty-two years, occurred Saturday evening following an illness of some duration. The funeral services were held this afternoon at 2:30 tt the Sattler funeral home at Fourth and Vine streets. Rev. O. G. "Wichmann, pastor of the St. Paul's Evangelical church had charge of the services, giving words of comfort to the mem bers of the bereaved family circle and the old time friends. The choir of the church gave several of the old time hymns during the service. Rudolf Spahni was born at Gasel, Canton Berne, Switzerland, May 17, IS 48 and spent his boyhood in the land of his birth, coming forty-nine years ago to the United States to make his future home. He located first at Wcoster, Ohio, where he made his home for a number of years and where he was married to Miss Eliza beth Bolgzer. Forty-two years ago the family moved to Plattsmouth and where Mr. Spahni was engaged with the Burlington in the railroad shops here, being an employe of the com pany for the period of some twenty years. In late year3 he has been a sufferer from failing health and which made necessary his retirement from the active work. He is survived by the widow and three children, Mrs. Fred Lugsch and Miss Hulda Spahni of this city and Ralph Spahni of Lead. South Dakota. The body of Mr. Spahni was laid; to the last long re6t at th Oak Hill cemetery. The family will have the deepest sympathy of the many friend3 in the bereavement that has come to them in the taking away of the husband and father. HEW BUSINESS HOUSE LOCATES The Chevrolet motor car, which has long been without a local agency, is onc3 more a factor in the automo bile sales lines in this community. The Mills County Chevrolet Co., of Glsnwocd, has secured the corner room of the Anheuser-Busch build ing at Fourth and Main streets and are establishing their sales and dis play rooms for this territory in that iiinHnp- Mr. Tirown. manager of the company, is to move to this city and direct the activities of the new auto company in this territory. The company has a number of the new model Chevrolets already on the floor and which have attracted the attention of the public. The formal opening of the salesroom and garage here will be made later. The repre sentative of this well known and popular automobile will recive a hearty welcome from the community and the b2st wishes for its success. TAKES" TO PENITENTIARY From Monday's Daily This morning Everett Daniels was taken to Lincoln by Deputy Sheriff Ed W. Thimgan to start serving his twelve year term for second degree murder. Mr. Daniels was convicted here three weeks ago of the murder of James Zoubek, Jr., being found guilty of murder in the second degree. The two sons, Ival and John Daniels and "William Falk, were released from the charges of second degree murder. The motion for a new trial was heard the past week and over ruled f.nd the sentence of twelve years given the defendant by the court. SUFFERS FROM FLU Mrs. C. A. Rosencrans, one of the active leaders in the Red Cross work of the county and secretary of the local chapter, is confined to her home 1 y illness. Mrs. Rosencrans has been riolng a great doal of work for the relief organization:! and ha3 battled to keep at her volunteer tasks, but was taken so ill Friday night that she was forced to retire. Her condi tion became such on Sunday that medical aid was necessary and the natient has sine been confined to her bed. TO RETURN HOME SOON John E. Kirkham. former city treasurer, who has been at the Clark son hospital at Omaha, for the past few months, is improving so much that it is expected that he can re turn homo soon. If Mr. Kirkham's condition improves as much as it has in the past few days, it may be pos sible for him to return by Christmas. The many friends will be delighted to see Mr. Kirkham home again, as he was in very critical condition for some time prior to his operation. Vesper Service Program Held at Methodist Church Impressive Service Is Held at Ap proach of Twilight on Sun day Evening. The First Methodist church was the scene of a very impressive vesper service on Sunday afternoon at 5 o'clock, a large number being present for the services. The church was arranged with the lighted candles in the window, at the platform and the choir loft, adding a beautiful touch to the scene and the program that was presented by the various departments of the church. As the services opened the mem bers of the audience Joined in the singing of the Christmas carols with Edgar Wescott as the accompanist at the marimba, the musical greeting of the Christmas season being given in an impressive manner. The manger scene with Luther's cradle hymns was presented by the primary department of the Sunday school, Mrs. Justus Lillie taking the part of the Madonna. - This .was. a striking part of the service and car ried out the thought of the Nativity. Following the anthem by the choir of the church, the Christmas story was given from the books of Matthew and Luke. Miss Jean Hayes, who is home for her vacation from Morningside col lege, was heard In a very beautiful vocal number that carried the Christ mas message. A reading of the Christmas tide was given by Miss Janet Westover, one of the talented younger people of the city, presented in her delight ful manner. The service closed with the singing of an anthem by the choir of the church. HONOR BRIDE-TO-BE Miss Helen "Wescott, whose mar riage to Perry Murdick will take place Christmas day, had dinner "Wed nesday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Eiv Speir at Lincoln. On Thursday evening Miss Wescott and Mr. Murdick shared honors at a din ner given by teachers in the inter mediate department of Trinity Meth odist church at the home of Professor and Mrs. M. H. Merrill at the capital city. Mrs. John Sigler was in charge of the arrangements for the affair. Fourteen were present. Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Pauley presided as hosts at dinner Saturday at their home, hon oring Miss "Wescott and Mr. Mur dick. TAKEN SUDDENLY ILL Mrs. J. C. Brittain was taken sud denly ill on Sunday at the Hotel Riley where she is engaged and her con dition was such that she was placed under medical care and was unable to return to her home. The patient seems to be suffering from a very severe attack of the prevailing malady of the flu which has caused the illness of so many of the residents of the city. SHOWING IMPROVEMENT The many friends of Mrs. John P. Sattler will be pleased to learn that she is doing nicely at the Clarkson hospital at Omaha where she has been for several weeks. Mrs. Sattler has rallied nicely from her operation and is' doing eo well that she should be able to return home in a few weeks and spend the remainder of her re cuperation with the family circle here. Journal Want-AC get results! The Rock' is Enjoyed by a LargeAudience Religions Drama Prestentsd at Pres byterian Church Under Direction of Hiss Helene Perry. From Monday's Daily The religious drama play given at the Presbyterian church last eve ning was one of the best acted and most impressive ever given at this church. It required nearly two hours for its presentation, and held the at tention of every one even to the small children in keenest interest and re ligious emotion. The artistry of act ing in characterization of the biblical people was as well perform ed as can be seen on the professional stage. The work of Otto Stodola, Ed ward "Wehrbein, Mrs. Mary Beverage, Miss Gertrude Vallery, and Miss Helen "Warga was all very high clas3. The other participants, George Adam, Ralph "Wehrbein, Frederick Wehr bein and the servants. Miss Anna Margaret McCarty and Franklin "Wehrbein all did exceptionally well. The depiction of the times of Je sus and His apostles was so realistic that the message of the drama found its way to the hearts of the audience in impressive effect. The staging equipment, consisting of an oriental house, and gardens with rock walls and palm trees, a blue sky as well as roof garden helped in no small way to give the right color to the play. Much credit is due to Paul "Wohlfarth, Cecil and James Comstock and Floyd Shanholtz in the construction of the stage work. The costumes were made by the ladies of the Missionary society. The chief credit for the success of the play should go to Miss Helene Perry, who gave unstintingry and In cessantly of her time and talent. Those who worked under her instruc tion epeak of her ability in highest terms. These young people rendered a fine service to those who were able to attend the play. Mr. Frank Cloidfs solo given be tween acts contributed to the effect iveness of the play. An offering for the Missionary society was taken. TEAM TO HAVE VACATION From Tuesday's Dally The high school basketball team will enjoy a vacation from their playing schedule from today to the game at Nebraska City on January 6th, the Christmas vacation inter vening. The regular workout3 each day will be omitted owing to the ab sence of Coach Fred Rothert at home for the vacation. In the absence of the 'coach, Henry Donat, last year center of the team, will serve as as sistant coach and have the team out for several workouts to keep them in trim for the purple and gold battle. "Whether the high school and alumni game will be held in the holi day period is not certain, but would be an interesting event, as the alumni have a large number of the players of the 1930 and '31 teams to use in the battle as well as stars of earlier years. NO P. H. S. PROGRAM From Tuesday's Daily Due to the decision yesterday to begin the Christmas vacation with the close of school tonight, it was found impossible to present the an nual Christmas program at the high school which had been originally planned for Thursday. This is a keen source of disappointment to many of the alumni and patrons of the school who have come to enjoy the annual feature at the high school. An excel lent program was In the making and had been arranged for by a commit tee of which Lois Bestor was The chairman and featured a Christmas play. TO SPEND VACATION HERE Ted Hadraba and Mason E. "Wes cott, two Plattsmouth young men, who are engaged in teaching at Sorthwestern university at Chicago, are to be here for the Christmas va cation with the home folks. The young men are expecting to leave as soon as the holiday vacation starts and will come here to spend the time at their homes and among the old time friends and associates. STILL ON THE SICK LIST Rev. C. O. Troy, pastor of the First Methodist church, is still confined to his home as the result of a very severe attack cf the flu and grippe. This has kept the pastor from his usual activities fcr several days and made it impossible for him to conduct the services of the day at the church. The pastor is gradually recovering from the attack and it is hoped that in the next few days the minister may resume his activities. W. C. T. U. Holds Christmas Party at Hayes Home Amid the Colorful Settings of the Yuletzde Lacuei Enjoy a Fine Program. The members, of the W. C. T. U. met Monday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Robert B. Kayos, where the ladies found the home bright with the red and green of the Christmas season. The program was opened with the appropriate reading of the Christmas story by Mrs. Charles Troop, she giv ing ths lesson from Matthew and Luke. !3rs. George L. Farley gave a most interesting story of the "First Cru sade," which was started in 1873 at Hillsbro. Ohio, the first militant ef fort of tho women of the nation to banish the saloon. Miss Sue Haluska favored the mem bers o? the party with a charming piano solo number, "Love's Dream" by Brahms. Mis3 Jessie M. Robertson had pre pared and gave "The History of Christmas." a thorough and interest ing story of the grer.t -yuletide from the earliest days." " " - -ol, , A musical offering, "O. Night of Heavenly Peace," wa3 sung by Mrs. Hayes and daughter, Mis3 Jean, the accompaniment being played by Mrs. Farley, the number adding greatly to the interest of the program. Mrs. Ralph H. Anderson gave as her contribution to the program "The First Christmas Present." Miss Janet Westover was heard in two delightful readiirg3, "The Angel and the Shepherd" and "Never Again," both very much appreciated by the members of the Union. Mrs. Lois Troop gave a beautiful dramatic reading, "While Mary Slept," in her usual impressive man ner. Bobby Hayes closed the program of the afternoon with a number of the Christmas carols, played on the violin, Mrs. Hayes accompanying at the piano. The afternoon closed with the serving of refreshments by Mrs. Hayes, who was assisted by her daughter, Miss Jean. ON THE SICK LIST The prevailing malady of the flu has laid its hand3 on a number of additional victims in the city. Coach Fred A. Rothert of the high school faculty was taken ill Monday night and unable to take up his school work Tuesday and today is still con fined to his home. James K. Pollock, assistant cashier of the Farmers State bank, was an other of the flu victims, being taken ill Tuesday and forced to remain home to try and recuperate from the unpleasant malady. Dr. R. P. Westover was also on the retired list as the result of the prevailing illness and was confined to his home Tuesday to try and check the malady so that he could carry on his work which has been Tory heavy in the prevailing sickness. CARS HAVE SMASHUP Sunday an auto accident occurred at the intersection of Seventh and Vine streets when the autos of Coun ty Treasurer John E. Turner and Edward Rummel had a emashup. Both cars were damaged to a greater or less extent and will require re pairing before they will be able to be placed back in service. Now is the time to arrange fox securing your Christmas cards. Have your name printed on them and make a fine and pleasing remembrance to the friends. Call at .the Journal. Knights Templar Elect Officers for Ensuing Year Raymond C. Cook, Commander Grand Commandery Officers Here to Inspect Local Lodge. The members of Mt. Zion com mandery No. 5, Knights Templar, had the pleasure Monday evening of hav ing with them a large group of the distinguished members of the order to inspect the local commandery. In addition to the inspection the commandery held the annual election of officers, the following being named: Commander Raymond C. Cook. Generalissimo Charles L. Carlson. Captain of the Guard H. L. Gayer Treasurer Phillip Thierolf. Recorder John E. Schutz. Tho meeting opened at 6:20 when a pancake and country sausage sup per was prepared and served to the members of the commandery and their guests, the event being enjoyed to the utmost by the large number in attendance at the meeting. The work of the commandery was inspected by Oliver Fick, Omaha, in specting officer, who had warm praise for the work of the commandery of ficers in all departments. Grand Commander W. H. Wanner of Falls City; Grand Generalissimo John T. Dysart, Omaha, and Grand Captain of the Guard William A. Robertson of this city were the grand commandery officers rresent. Rev. Luther M. Kuhns, past grand prelate also was present and spoke briefly to the members of the com mandery. Louis Shanholz, Omaha, was also in the party of visitors as well as several from Nebraska City. The Tisiting. officers gave- much commendation - for - the manner in wheih the ritualistic "work ''was "car ried out and the fine manner in which th local commandery was admihister- Henry F. Nolting, commander for ed by their capable officers. 1932 presided over the session cf the commandery. The newly elected officers will be installed on the third Monday in January. TO ENJOY REUNION Edward Patterson, of San Fran cisco, California, is expected here Wednesday to enjoy the holiday sea son with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rea F. Patterson and hi3 brother, Herbert, as well as the other rela tives and triends. Mr. and Mrs. Pat terson and their sons, are to spend Christmas lay al Falls City, with the John W. Falter family, Mrs. Falter beins a sister of Mrs. Patterson. The father of the ladies, George E. Dovey, pioneer Nebraskan, i3 making his home at Falls City and will enjoy the occasion with the daughters and their families. Mr. and Mrs. George H. Falter of Atchison, Kansas, the latter also a daughter of Mr. Dovey, will join the family party for Christmas. CALLED TO MOTHER'S SIDE From "Wednesday's Daily Mr. and Mrs. Homer Hubbard of Wichita, Kansas, were here last eve ning for a short visit at the E. H. Wescott home, while en route to Hastings, former home of Mrs. Hub bard. They have been called to Hast ings by the serious illness of Mrs. Hubbard's mother, who is in critical condition. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kubbard are known to a number of the Platts mouth people, Mr. Hubbard having been prominent in the musical work of the Wesleyan university and is now director of music at the Wichita college. Mrs. Hubbard was formerly Miss Dorothy Hunt and hasoften visited in this city. WILL ENJOY FAMILY GATHERING Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Patton will have the pleasures of a family re union on Christmas and which will bring all of the family together with the exception of one son. Ward, of Chicago, who was unable to come home. Miss Ida Patton will arrive from Minneapolis for a holiday visit and Dean Patton of Chicago has been here for several days to enjoy the visit with the home folks. SUFFER FROU ILLNESS The Floyd Gerbeling home in the south part of the city has been suf fering a great deal from illness in the past week. Richard, the little son of the family having suffered from severe cold and bronchial trouble. Mrs. Gerbeling has now taken ill with the flu and is kept confined to her bed. The patients have been un der constant medical care and have had the assistance of a trained nurse to assist in the care of the patient3. Christmas is Observed by Woman's Chib Splendid Program and Donation of Toys for the unfertunate Children of City. The Plattsmouth Woman's club met on Monday evening at the home of Mrs. A. W. Cloidt, the social com mittee of the club, Mrs. W. L. Hein- rich, Mrs. R. B. Hayes, Mrs. Edgar Newton, Mrs. Frank Bestor and Mrs. J. W. Alwin, being the hostesses of the evening. Each member had brought a gift that will be used in the Christmas baskets of the Associated Charities for the needy children of the city on Christmas. The program was one of the great est enjoyment and was opened by a very artistic piano number by Mrs. Robert Rsed, one of the talented musicians of the city. Mia Jean Hayes, who is home from Morningside college at Sioux City for the holiday vacation, gave one fit her charming vocal numbers which wa3 much appreciated. Donald Cotner favored the com pany with a fine saxophone solo that reflected"' th- greatest credit on the young musician. " - The Christmas story was given by Mrs. IT- CI. McCluskv. telling tne beautiful message of the glorious Nativity, bringing a message of peace and hope to the world. Miss Na'dino Cloidt, one of the popular young vocalists of the high school, was presented in a delight ful vocal offering that was much ap preciated by the ladies. The high school girl3 who have attended the club meetings in the past were present in a group to take part in the meeting, the last of the present year. After the singing of the Christmas carols, the hostesses served dainty and delicious refreshments. THIEVES ABANDON CHICKENS Sometime Monday thieves Invaded the chicken houses at the farm of Herman Hennings west of this city, but fortunately were frightened away before they could make their getaway Villa ice caicktus. ii:b iuicim hu. s j ml V. i n-rn In n ft two sacks of the chickens which had been placed near a fence on the but reaching here something nad; alarmed the invaders and the sacks were left. Tracks showed where a man had run across a nearby field to make a getaway from the scene: of the attempted chicken stealing The matter was reported to the office Tne maiier was report - - of the sheriff Tuesday and Deputy Sheriff Thimgan made an investiga tion of the case and attempted to trace down the thief but without success. FIRST DAY OF WINTER From Wednesday's Dally Today marks the official opening! of winter, December 21st being the! date that the change of the season , , , ,, The many friends of Mrs. Walter takes place. The residents of this! w . ' Brittain will be rieased to learn that section of the west have been satis-J f h . . i .v I she is somewhat improved at her fied for the past two weeks that win-, . , . , . ... lK -home in the south part of tha city, ter had already arrived with sub-- , 'Mr. Brittain v.aa quite ill last week zero weather prevailing. The open-. . . . Z but has gained some in strength this day of winter has proven a great deal . . , . j -'week. Her brother, Ivem Star or more pieaea.ni. ixiiia me la-ai. uajo the fall season. RETURNS FROJI HOSPITAL Mrs. Maude Fricke, who was oper- ated on some two weeks ago at the'prom Tuesday's Da'iy Clarkson hospital at Omaha, return - ed homo Tuesday evening. Mrs. Fricke has undergone a very serious operation and has rallied in excellent shape. It is hoped that the operation will result in the permanent restor - ation of her health. .. Rotary Club Has Pleasant Christmas Meet William A. Robertson Gives Interest ing Talk on "Santa Cla-s" and the Spirit of Christmas. The members of the Rotary club had a very pleasant meeting Tues day afternoon at the dining room of the Brown cafe, which had been de corated for the occasion with the Christmas settings. A tree aglow with the vari colored lights was the centerpiece of the decorations. Robert M. Walling was the chair man of the meeting and introduced ithe features of the program. The club received into its mem berehip G. J. Jeager, superintendent of the local LREX eheps, who was given the charge of the tlub by Rev. II. G. McClusky. Mr. Jcager wa3 re quested to add to the interert'of the program with a violin selection and which he graciously complied with, giving "Humoresque," as well as two encores, one being a favorite of Searl Davis. ' . The club had the pleasure of a most interesting address by Attorney W. A. Robertson, who took as his subject, "Santa Claus." Mr. Robert son touched on the age old tradition of Santa from the early European nations to the new world. The speak er told of the great inspiration to unselfishness that the Christmas Fpirit brought to all men and women in all the lands of the earth and the giving that made the occasion of Christmas a most joyous one for all. With the Christmas spirit in the air, A. L. Brown, proprietor of tho cafe, presented a Christmas treat to the members in the form of after dinner cigars, a treat that was much appreciated 4y. tJL The members . had brought toys and other gift3 with them and which"' were presented and in turn each member gave their gifts to the Christ mas boxes of the Associated Char ities for distribution on Thursday. CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY From Wednesday's Daily The passing of the fourteenth birthday anniversary of Aimee Jane Thomas was made the occasion of a pleasant party of young people last evening at the homo of Mr. and Mrs. Herman L. Thomas. The home was arranged with the 'Christmas decorations, a large tree featuring the living room settings and amid the holiday atmosphere the evening was delightfully fcpent by the young ladies. The evening was spent In music, dancing and games which brought much enjoyment to all of the party. In honor of the event the guest of honor received a large number of very handsome and attractive remcm- , ,,. heon Berved wM featured by lLe large and har.dsome dowlnc can- Thomas nd riettv ' . ant event wer3 Wilda Johnson, janEe Scott Norma Curtls MarB,e . . 1An AnM Marie UilU Kiut ; - Rea, Freda Koukal, Rose Mary Cloidt. Wave Smith, Lois Cilcs, Louise Riahel. Margin Fitch, Helen Albert, Grace Welsh. Mary Margaret Kline, Jeanc-tte Hirz, Louise I'fitzmeyer, Margie Wohlfarth, Betty Builn, Alice Hlrz. RECOVERING FROM ILLNESS I last! a;rs. Iowa, and Mrs. Star are here r.sd will spend a short time with the Brittain family. YISITNIG OT THE CITY i j Judg'! Jesse L. Root, ard daughter, 'Miss Alice, with Mr. and Mrs. S. E. Sams of Atlanta, Georgia, were hero today for a visit with Miss Olive Cas3 ' and other of the old time friends, 'Mrs. Sams was formerly Miss Flora .Root. V