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